Desalle defies the odds and ruthless Dutch sand for first MXGP trophy of ‘19

“I’m really happy as it’s not my favourite track and I was not expecting such a good result as I couldn’t train as I like during the week after my crash in Great Britain; I had pain in my hand and in my neck,” #25 said. “Yesterday I just took it step-by-step and did what I needed to do. Today was different; I got good starts, was feeling good and could come back to second position during the first race. But I hurt my knee during this race; between the motos we had to work with the physio and doctor so I was able to get another top five finish which gave me a first podium this season. We are now third in the championship and I’m really confident for the rest of the season after this podium.”

Once more – and against adversity – Desalle proved he is one of the grittiest performers in the MXGP pack. Not only is Clement in the minority as a ‘winningest’ racer in the premier class but also a valid title contender. There will be little chance for recuperation this week as the world championship barrels onto a third event in three weeks and the stony hard-pack of Pietramurata in Italy in just a few days time.

Over in MX2 and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha’s Jago Geerts replicated Desalle maiden podium bow in 2019. The young Belgian displayed his sand acumen and buried memories of a tough British round seven days previously with the runner-up position behind Prado.

Italy now awaits.