These are exciting times for Glenn Coldenhoff, Brian Bogers and Roan van de Moosdijk. The three motocross riders from Brabant still do not have a new contract for next season and do not know whether they will still be part of the traveling Grand Prix circus next year. “The musical chairs have not really started yet,” says agent Ebert Dollevoet.
There are three more GPs on the schedule, but some riders’ heads are already on next season. That will take a while, but the seats in the different teams will be distributed in the near future.
“It is always exciting when that puzzle has to be put together,” says Husqvarna rider Roan van de Moosdijk, who has to make the transition from MX2 to MXGP because of his age. “It remains to be seen where I will end up. That is in the back of my mind and sometimes gnaws at me.”
“The musical chairs start with the signatures of the top drivers.”
Although there is a good chance that Yamaha will scrap a seat in the team next season, of the Brabant MXGP riders with an expiring contract Glenn Coldenhoff from Best probably has the least to worry about. His performance this year is excellent and he will find shelter anyway.
For Brian Bogers from Eindhoven, the situation seems more uncertain. He already knows he has to leave the Honda team. “There are still three races to go and if you still haven’t finished anything, that is certainly exciting,” says Bogers, who is not driving his best season. “Of course that doesn’t help with the negotiations, but there is interest and I’m happy with some things.”
The same applies to fellow town Roan van de Moosdijk, who has been plagued by injuries this season. “A plus for me is that not many riders have to move to MXGP,” he says. “Unfortunately I am no longer participating in the championship, but I still have to pull out all the stops. That is difficult, because I have just come back after a broken collarbone.”
Jeffrey Herlings still has an ongoing contract with KTM in the MXGP and Calvin Vlaanderen will also be under the roof next year. The same goes for Kay de Wolf in the MX2. For the other Brabant drivers, uncertainty is therefore the trump card.
“The musical chairs are getting off to a slow start this year,” says Ebert Dollevoet, who, among other things, represents the interests of Van de Moosdijk. “And that starts with the top riders. Once the signatures have been signed there, the places will only become available at the bottom. Just like football, motocross is a sport in which the puzzle is different every year.”
“I also have a child, so it is important.”
“Roan has known his good moments,” continues Dollevoet. “I am therefore 100 percent convinced that we will find a good place for him. The most important thing is that he ends up in MX1 with the right team. With the right bike and in the right environment. I put the puzzle on the table and Roan will have to make the choice with his father later.”
“I hope that I will have clarity in a few weeks,” says Brian Bogers about his situation. “I’m almost 27, so normally I’ll last a few more years. My hobby has become my profession and I want to keep it that way for a while. I also have a child who I want to take good care of, so it’s important. So I have to look for a job.”
