Herlings Will Sit Out The Opening Round Of 2019 MXGP
Cycle News Staff | February 27, 2019
It’s been confirmed that Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull KTM) will sit out the opening round of the 2019 MXGP season this weekend, March 2-3. The defending MXGP Championship injured his foot while training in January. He is still recovering after having surgery and will not compete in Argentina.
Jeffrey Herlings Sidelined For Argentina 2019 MXGP
Herling’s injured foot remains in a cast and he will be re-evaluated on March 11.
“I cannot really feel too much with my foot because of the cast,” Herlings said. “But it seems to be progressing well after the operation. I’m looking forward to having some of the pins removed in a couple of weeks. And then I can also change the cast. It’s a pity to miss Argentina. I think last year was one of the best races of the season. It’s also one of my favorite tracks: wide, fast and sandy. It’s a big shame that we won’t be there but it is what it is.”
Joel Smets, KTM Motocross Sport Director, elaborated: “Jeffrey’s injury is not as ‘simple’ as a collarbone or another part of the body. It’s quite tricky actually and it is something that we will have to monitor and look at the rehabilitation. Obviously a rider’s foot comes under a lot of punishment in motocross with the many jumps and bumps. We are being careful and will hopefully have a better idea in the coming weeks of how his recovery is going. Of course we will miss him in Argentina. But the rest of the crew with Tony, Jorge and Tom means Red Bull KTM will still be ready to go. And they will be looking for the kind of results Jeffrey would be shooting for.”