Glenn Coldenhoff is probably one of the proudest men standing on the start line at the 2024 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, set for Matterley Basin in England in the first week of October.

Having represented his country every single year since 2012, he has put together a solid number of performances, but none better than his 1-1-1-1 performances in 2018 and 2019. That 2019 results helped The Netherlands win the MXoN, amazingly, for the first time ever, but they came oh so close in 2016, and on other occasions.

That 2016 MXoN, at Maggiora, they led leading into the final lap of the final moto, only to have Tommy Searle ruin the party as he allowed Romain Febvre pass, not wanting to get involved in the leading team’s victory. As it turned out, he did, but of course, unknowingly.

We spoke to Coldenhoff recently, about the passion for his countrymen, his fans and his country. I for on, am sad Calvin Vlaanderen cannot make it, but very happy to see the face of Coldenhoff at Matterley in a little over a month’s time, because he 100% deserves to represent the orange army, for the 13th straight time.

On racing in front of his countrymen

Not goosebumps, but definitely motivation level goes plus three. It is super, super nice and we also have a lot of good Dutch riders this weekend. For the fans its very good and I believe in all classes they did very well (Dutch won the Women’s, 125cc and MXGP, with Kay De Wolf second in MX2). It has been an amazing day for motocross, and I think the fans in The Netherlands had an amazing weekend.

On Not Being picked

I more or less expected it. If you look at the championship, Calvin is doing really well and of course Kay and Jeffrey are in good form. I am in sixth, so its clear. I should have been more on the throttle. It is disappointing or sure, but the best ones need to do and that is Calvin. I heard he is injured, and I hope he is okay, but I will miss being there, because I have been in the team since 2012. Only one Nations didn’t happen, because of Covid, but I did every year outside of that.

On Being Picked and Matterley Basin

Yes, I don’t want that, I don’t wish anyone to miss such a race due to injury, but I am a proud Dutch and races like this, definitely one of my favourites, like a home GP, the full country behind you and I have done great at Matterley. Yes, I won my first GP there in the MX2 class, so if they need me, I am there and if not, I will go on holidays with my partner and child.

Ray Archer image