• Top 10 for Calvin Vlaanderen in the Latvian Grand Prix qualifying race
The Zelta Rigs circuit in Kegums, located 70 kilometers from the capital Riga, has hosted Grand Prix races since 2009 and, for the eighteenth consecutive year, is the venue for the Latvian Grand Prix, the eighth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship. With a sandy surface but a particularly solid and hard bottom, the Latvian track is one of the most demanding challenges of the season for riders and teams, with a fast and technical layout, with large jumps and fast sections. In the morning, on a track flooded by heavy rain, Calvin Vlaanderen finished free practice in eighth place, then set the ninth fastest time in the timed session that determines the starting grid. After a difficult start, which saw him 16th on his first lap, the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team rider, on a drying track under the rays of the sun, staged a strong comeback, culminating in a tenth-place finish at the checkered flag.
Andrea Bonacorsi’s day, however, ended with a crash and subsequent hospitalization. He began with the eleventh fastest time in free practice and the thirteenth fastest time in timed session. With a perfect start on his Desmo450 MX bike, Andrea quickly climbed to seventh place, battling with the top riders in the premier class, until four laps from the end, when a severe crash ended his qualifying race. The Italia, still conscious and alert, is being assisted by medical staff and members of the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team. He will now undergo the necessary checks at Riga Hospital.
In MX2, Ferruccio Zanchi made a comeback race, posting the tenth-fastest time in the morning’s timed practice and getting a good start in the afternoon’s qualifying race. However, Ferro was stuck in traffic at the first corner, passing just outside the top 15. The Beddini Racing Ducati Factory MX2 Team rider worked his way up the order and managed to climb to twelfth place, in which he finished at the end of twelve laps.
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
