Should Team Netherlands Rethink Their MXoN Lineup After Herlings’ Return to Form?

The Netherlands have already locked in their team for the 2025 Motocross of Nations: Glenn Coldenhoff, Calvin Vlaanderen, and Kay de Wolf. On paper, it’s a lineup built on experience, consistency, and youthful energy. But with Jeffrey Herlings suddenly back in GP winning form, the Dutch federation’s decision not to include him is drawing debate.

The Case for Sticking With Coldenhoff, Vlaanderen, and de Wolf

• Consistency over risk – All three riders have been healthy and racing regularly. MXoN is about putting together three solid motos, and reliability counts.

• Experience spread out – Coldenhoff has MXoN heroics on his résumé, Vlaanderen is steady across conditions, and de Wolf adds raw speed from MX2. It’s a balanced trio.

• Avoiding disruption – The team has already been announced. Changing now could unsettle preparation and add pressure to riders who’ve earned their spots.

The Case for Adding Herlings

• Unmatched speed – A fit and firing Jeffrey Herlings is one of the fastest motocross riders ever. His recent GP wins show he’s still capable of dominating at the very highest level.

• Game-changer factor – While the current lineup is strong, Herlings brings that “X-factor” the ability to single handedly swing results and take on riders like Gajser, Tomac, Sexton, and Febvre head-to-head.

• National pride – MXoN is the ultimate showcase of a country’s best. Leaving out a five-time world champion who’s back in form risks being seen as a misstep.

The Dilemma

The Dutch federation’s logic was sound at the time, pick the in-form, consistently racing riders. But motocross moves fast, and Herlings’ resurgence has changed the landscape. It’s now a question of whether the reward of potential dominance outweighs the risk of injury or inconsistency.

What now? 

For now, the Netherlands look set to go with their chosen trio. But as Herlings keeps proving himself on GP weekends, the calls to rethink may only grow louder. If he lines up at Iron Man, he could be the difference between a solid podium and another shot at MXoN glory.