Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1534591
Coenen, Laengenfelder Sweep MXGP of Switzerland E aster weekend meant Monday racing for round six of the FIM Motocross World Championship as the racers took to the Schollen- holz circuit for the MXGP of Swit- zerland on April 21. Clear skies created great racing conditions in the Swiss hillsides. Both divisions still saw 1-1 moto sweeps—but it wasn't for any lack of on-track action—with Lucas Coenen and Simon Laengenfelder claiming their respective wins. MXGP Lucas Coenen grabbed his first- ever MXGP holeshot in race one as the rookie got out ahead of the 450cc heavyweights. The Factory Red Bull KTM rider managed to fend off points leader Tim Gajser for the entire race and claimed vic - tory at the checkered flag. Gajser maintained second while his main rival, Romain Febvre, struggled with crashes in the middle of the pack. Gajser's Honda HRC team- mate and Saturday's qualifying winner, Ruben Fernandez, rounded out the podium in third. Race two once again saw Coenen up front as the Belgian crossed the holeshot line first, with Gajser again in a close second. Just a few laps into the race, Gajser crashed badly while chasing Coenen and was forced to retire from the moto due to an injured shoulder. With Gajser out of the running, Coenen's lead increased, and the moto-one win - WIND IN THE P62 Lucas Coenen swept both motos for the first time in the MXGP division. ner was able to hold strong to the finish. He claimed another race win and used 1-1 scores to sweep the day, marking his first double victory in the MXGP class. "Saturday wasn't that great because I had arm pump, and the start was just okay," said Coenen. "But today gave me two holeshots, and I led every single lap. I had to deal with a bit of pressure from behind, but there is not that much more to say today. I still don't like this track, though. With the 450, you had to respect it. No mistakes, and it feels like a perfect day. I'm still learning, and we still go step-by-step." Febvre bounced back in race two and passed his way to sec - ond place thanks to a big crash from Maxime Renaux. Febvre landed second in the overall ranks with 6-2 scores. Hometown hero Jeremy Seewer moved to third in the closing stages of the race with a pass around Jeffrey Herlings. The Swiss rider earned third overall and thus gave Ducati its first-ever overall podium. Despite not finishing the second moto, Gajser still leads the champion - ship by 27 points.