It is rather an interesting group of Dutch riders in this year’s Grand Prix of Netherland, held at the Valkenswaard circuit in Holland. In the MX1 class it is veterans Marc De Reuver and Erik Eggens leading the way, while the MX2 class young guns Jeffrey Herlings and Glenn Coldenhoff. Many years ago De Reuver and Eggens were the main men around the tough sand circuits of Holland. Both former GP winners and contenders for the MX2 Championships in the early 2000s. Now veterans and more or less appearing for the joy of racing. Their days of winning are long gone, but the pleasure of being a GP racer is not yet over.
Eggens knows that running up front will be difficult in Valkenswaard 2013, but he wants to enjoy the moment as he races a 250cc 2-stroke against the bigger 350cc and 450cc 4-strokes.
“I have been on the podium a few times at Valkenswaard,” Eggens said. “Winning in 2001 and I really like the circuit. I first rode there in the 1990s on an 80cc machine when I raced the schoolboy’s class. I will just do my best and hope for a good start, because in the MX1 class you need a good start.”
As for Herlings and Coldenhoff, just as it was for De Reuver and Eggens 10 years ago these two teenagers are looking for victory and podium finishes. Herlings with his 1-1-1-1-1-1 for his first three appearances at Valkenswaard will be going for a record fourth consecutive win this year. No rider has won gone undefeated in four consecutive Grand Prixs in Valkenswaard, and Herlings is very much a rider who is looking for total domination.
“Or course winning in 2010 was a big deal for me,” Herlings said. “It was my first GP victory and I was really excited. The crowd were really enjoying it and for me it was a new experience. The following two years were also great and just to race in front of my home crowd and be able to race for the win means a lot to me. Being able to win all six motos until now gives me a lot of motivation to try and continue winning at Valkenswaard.”
So with two veterans and two teenagers leading the way at this year’s Grand Prix of The Netherlands the local crowd will be able to enjoy the best of experience and enthusiasm. For these four riders it will be special for different reasons.
Text: Geoff Meyer