There is no doubt, many were shocked by the 1-1 performance by Jeffrey Herlings in Argentina 10 days ago. Having performanced with average results in his opening race for the team in Mantova in February, there was some concern for his ability to get used to the HRC machine quickly enough to be a contender in Argentina. Herlings himself was somewhat surprised by that result.

Bavo Swijgers image

“I couldn't have wished for a better start to the World Championship with two race wins and the lead in the standings,” Jeffrey Herlings said. “And that while everything was new to me, from the bike to the gear. It will be quite a challenge to hold onto this, because the competition is cutthroat. But of course, I’m going to do my best.”

Leon Voskamp of omroepbrabant.nl spoke to Peter Herlings, a former Grand Prix rider of note, and the father of “The Bullet” and he is more than happy with the performances of the 31-year-old son.

“Jeffrey is already involved in the sport 24 hours a day; when I see him, I leave him alone on a sporting level. If he had finished in the top five, we as a family would have been super happy. He is riding in a new team with a new bike and that takes time. I have enormous respect for the fact that he won straight away.”

“I had to start from scratch myself. Thanks to my experience, I was able to help Jeffrey get started a bit. The whole family fought hard for it. But even so, Jeffrey had to do it himself. His drive is incredible. He always wants to ride, even as a child. The sport is central to him, and he always goes all out for it. He got that aggression and will to win from his parents.”

“We deliberately talk very little about that; he is always busy with it. He doesn't need advice; Jeffrey is mentally that strong. So, what do we talk about? Odd jobs around his house, for example, I am a sort of handyman.”

“Look at the NOS, for example, they broadcast various GPs, and that is largely thanks to Jeffrey. Before that, motocross received little publicity and was somewhat dying out. Jeffrey has really put it on the map in the Netherlands, but he is also loved abroad. He receives messages from all corners of the world.”

“This is a very positive start, something we haven't managed in recent years. Jeffrey is in excellent condition and is with a good team. But we do have to keep both feet on the ground—or on the bike. There are still eighteen GPs to ride in this World Championship, and anything can happen.”

Now we move onto Spain, and a sand circuit of note in the south of the country in a small village called Almonte. A circuit that mimics circuits like Kegums in Latvia and Valkenswaard in The Netherlands. Not deep sand, but with a hard base under ground. Perfect for Herlings to continue this sensational start to the 2026 season.