Calvin Vlaanderen Banks Back-To-Back MXGP Podiums in Brutal Heat of Indonesia

“What a trip! I’m so happy to back up my speed from last weekend and get on the podium again. This is massive. Like I said last weekend, it has been two years that I have been working to be back on the box, and now to do it twice in a row is so cool. It’s so good for confidence to know I can do it!”

Indonesia has been good to Calvin. It was at the MXGP of Indonesia in Pangkal-Pinang in 2018 that the South African ace celebrated his first-ever Grand Prix win.

This year, the series returned to Lombok for a second consecutive year, where the riders faced the gruelling challenge of back-to-back rounds at the same venue. The purpose-built Selaparang Track could be best described as soft and loamy, but it had a rock-hard and choppy base, making it slick and sketchy. The layout was fast and flowing with big jumps, and despite hosting its first Grand Prix last year in 2023, it still presented a challenge for the riders because it is unlike anything they can find in Europe.

“The first weekend here was quite a struggle,” Calvin explained, “I think it was hard for everyone because we were not really used to the weather and the heat at that point, and also the time difference. I found it really tough, but honestly, I feel like it’s all in the mind, or that the mind is stronger than you think. You think you’re tired, but your mental strength can push you through.”

The riders not only had to contend with Indonesia’s unique dirt but also had to adapt to its tropical climate. The intense heat and humidity were exacerbated by the fact that the man-made circuit was built on the asphalt of an old airfield, making the venue feel like a scorching hot oven. “Honestly, I just kept telling myself I’m not tired, I’m not tired,” he revealed, “and that seemed to work. The mind is a funny thing. Now, I will focus on recovery as soon as I get home, and I will put some good hours on the bike near the end of the week so I can come out fresh in Loket.”

Calvin celebrated both Indonesian rounds on the third step of the podium, having powered through brutal conditions and the stifling climate. Prior to the first stop in Lombok, it had been almost two years since his last podium appearance. “I’m happy! We should have the whole season in Indonesia,” he joked, “but in all seriousness, as an athlete, you always want more! Now that I have these two podiums, I want to take it to the next step, and that’s something I look forward to doing especially with some of the nicest tracks on the calendar coming up.”
 

Adding to Monster Energy’s trophy haul in Lombok, Mikkel Haarup bounced back from the frustration of his first podium attempt with a sensational charge to second overall at the MX2 Grand Prix of Lombok. “We messed up last weekend,” the 23-year-old Dane said, “but I’m proud of what we achieved. We kept believing. I put in a hell of a ride in the final race, but honestly, I want to thank Monster Energy Triumph Racing, my mechanics, the whole crew. They kept me motivated throughout the week and kept my head clear so we could focus on this weekend.”

From Indonesia, the MXGP series travels back to Europe, where the riders will have a short weekend off to recover before another run of two in a row. The 13th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will take place on the blue-groove clay of Loket, Czech Republic, followed by round 14 in the savage sand of Lommel, Belgium.