MXGP The takedown of KTM

[Carringbush2010]

Tim Gasjer has taken the title with an evident injury curse to both Cairoli and Herlings. Also evidently is Prado's dominance in MX2.

It's fair speculation that a fit Cairoli and Herlings would've dominated MX1..................... but it's speculation only.

Tim Gasjer is no slouch, heck the likes of Caldenhoff, Fevbre, Seewer (who claimed 2nd btw), Tonas, hell there's too many to mention aren't slouches either.

OK you can see the speed of those two demi gods but in all fairness you can see the speed in the others which begs the question, are those two just absolutely faster or are they on superior machines?

Dicey question I know, but a question none the less. I couldn't say one way or the other. We know that MX is a formula to regulate a level playing field, so are team KTM just better administrated and by extension better results?

I seriously doubt that given the talent in the paddock. Mmnnup I reckon even with a fit Cairoli and Herlings as good as they are team KTM will be challenged.

Discuss

 

[Klyntonius]

KTM are certainly the power team in MXGP and with Cairoli, Herlings and now Prado riding for them, they have an embarrassment of riches. There's little to argue against Cairoli and Herlings being at worst two of the top three talents in MXGP along with Gajser. But it's splitting hairs between them and as you rightly mention Carringbush, there are a lot of fast riders capable of podiums and wins. Unfortunately, MX is a sport with a high injury toll and rarely are there genuine head-to-head battles for the title.

Of particular interest and great excitement for Australia, Mitchell Evans leaps out of MX2 after only a single season and heads to MX1, joining the reigning champion Tim Gajser in the Factory Honda team. It's a huge opportunity for him and a big vote of confidence in the 18 year old's ability. Hopefully he can have a great year and avoid the injuries that plagued his debut MX2 season.

Speaking of MX2, there is something of an Aussie invasion happening there. Joining the returning Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) are 21 year olds Wilson Todd (Kawasaki) and Nate Crawford who will be teammate to 19 year old Aussie, Bailey Maliewicz at the 114 Honda team (run by 2 time womens MXGP champ, Livia Lancelot). All are with very strong teams and we'll hopefully see a lot of wins and podiums from them.

It's a pretty exciting time for Australian off road racing. 2020 should be a pretty competitive year.

 

[Carringbush2010]

KTM are certainly the power team in MXGP and with Cairoli, Herlings and now Prado riding for them, they have an embarrassment of riches. There's little to argue against Cairoli and Herlings being at worst two of the top three talents in MXGP along with Gajser. But it's splitting hairs between them and as you rightly mention Carringbush, there are a lot of fast riders capable of podiums and wins. Unfortunately, MX is a sport with a high injury toll and rarely are there genuine head-to-head battles for the title.

Of particular interest and great excitement for Australia, Mitchell Evans leaps out of MX2 after only a single season and heads to MX1, joining the reigning champion Tim Gajser in the Factory Honda team. It's a huge opportunity for him and a big vote of confidence in the 18 year old's ability. Hopefully he can have a great year and avoid the injuries that plagued his debut MX2 season.

Speaking of MX2, there is something of an Aussie invasion happening there. Joining the returning Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) are 21 year olds Wilson Todd (Kawasaki) and Nate Crawford who will be teammate to 19 year old Aussie, Bailey Maliewicz at the 114 Honda team (run by 2 time womens MXGP champ, Livia Lancelot). All are with very strong teams and we'll hopefully see a lot of wins and podiums from them.

It's a pretty exciting time for Australian off road racing. 2020 should be a pretty competitive year.

Yeah MX2 we've been pretty strong for a few years now, Ferris's double holeshot @ mxon Germany 2013 comes to mind - Hunter Lawrence's at times blistering speed more recently before heading stateside. Jed Beaton and Evans have the MX world taking notice for 2018 & 19.

Next year will be a lot lot harder for Prado (if he stays in MX2?), as good as he is he's no Herlings.

As for the thread I can only see Herlings dominating IF he can stay in the saddle. Will Gasjer have the confidence to challenge? Absolutely! Will he actually challenge? Given the time away from pinnacle racing Herlings may need time to adjust - how much is another question.

Cairoli has to slow at some point, at 34 yo in a field literally bursting with elite talent and the mindset in losing to Gajser with no Herlings (injury hampered admittedly) has to have some bearing.

Apart from Herlings (depending when he finds his speed again) I don't see KTM having it all their own way like they have in recent seasons.

 

[Klyntonius]

Honest and amazing.

 

[Carringbush2010]

Honest and amazing.

Well that blows my theory out of the water, a source like that (indisputable) a regular podium finisher in grand prix's is 10 seconds slower - a lap - than Herlings.

Well maybe just maybe Herlings is the undisputed goat.

End thread.

 

[Klyntonius]

Four rounds in and it's Herlings and Gajser going at it head-to-head. Gajser with a costly crash in the latest round sees Herlings out to a 28 point lead.

Also of note, Glenn Coldenhoff won at the last round giving Gas Gas their first moto win.

Mitch Evans is slowly building back to form, coming back after a dislocated shoulder.