Spectator Review: 2024 MXGP Race in Arnhem, Netherlands

The 2024 MXGP of the Netherlands in Arnhem offered motocross fans a thrilling day of high-stakes competition, with standout performances in both the MXGP (MX1) and MX2 classes. Hosted at the sandy Papendal circuit, renowned for its technical challenges, this year’s race lived up to the hype with dramatic overtakes, tough track conditions, and the home crowd's energy boosting local heroes.

The headline event of the day was dominated by Dutch superstar Jeffrey Herlings, who delivered a masterclass in sand riding. Despite some poor starts in both motos, Herlings showcased his superior racecraft and determination. In Race 1, Herlings had to battle his way through the field after a difficult start, overtaking riders like Jorge Prado and Tim Gajser to secure victory. He repeated this performance in Race 2, once again overcoming a subpar start to claim the top spot, securing a 1-1 overall result.

Jorge Prado, the reigning MXGP World Champion, was Herlings' closest rival throughout the day. Prado finished second in both races (2-2), putting up a strong fight but ultimately unable to match Herlings’ pace in the deep sand. Tim Gajser, another big name, finished third overall with a 4-3 result, showcasing strong consistency but falling short of challenging for the win.

In the MX2 class, it was a big day for Lucas Coenen, who claimed the overall victory with a strong 2-1 performance. After finishing second in Race 1 behind Dutch rider Kay de Wolf, Lucas dominated Race 2, securing the win and taking the overall title for the day. His brother, Sacha Coenen, also had a strong showing but couldn't quite match Lucas' pace in the second race, where he faded after leading early on.

Kay de Wolf, another local favorite, won Race 1 but was involved in a crash during Race 2, which saw him finish fourth. Despite this setback, his 1-4 finish earned him second overall, while Lucas Coenen’s superior consistency secured him the top spot.

The Papendal circuit lived up to its reputation as one of the most demanding tracks in the championship. The deep sand became increasingly rutted and challenging as the day progressed, making every lap unpredictable. The tough conditions played perfectly into the hands of the local riders, particularly Jeffrey Herlings, who is known for his expertise in sandy conditions.

The crowd was electric, especially with Herlings and the Coenen brothers delivering performances worthy of the home support. The Dutch fans, known for their passionate following of motocross, added to the atmosphere, cheering loudly with each lap as their riders led the field.

The 2024 MXGP of the Netherlands was an exhilarating event, marked by masterful performances from Jeffrey Herlings and Lucas Coenen, who both secured victories on home soil. The mix of technical track challenges, top-tier competition, and intense fan support made this a standout event on the MXGP calendar. Herlings' dominance in the MXGP class and the rise of the Coenen brothers in MX2 provided a memorable day for Dutch motocross fans.

If you're a fan of motocross, this race demonstrated why the MXGP of the Netherlands is a must-see event, with top riders battling it out in some of the most demanding conditions on the calendar.