Herlings, McLellan Rule the Sands of Lommel

Herlings and McLellan Master Motocross’ Toughest Test at Lommel

When riders talk about Lommel, they rarely mention lap times first.

They talk about survival.

The deep Belgian sand, scorching temperatures and relentless bumps make the MXGP of Flanders one of the most demanding races on the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar. On Sunday, two riders mastered every challenge thrown at them.

Jeffrey Herlings extended his dominance in MXGP, while South Africa’s Camden McLellan delivered arguably the finest performance of his professional career to claim a perfect MX2 weekend.

Herlings Tightens His Grip on the Championship

Jeffrey Herlings once again proved why he remains one of motocross’ greatest riders.

The Honda HRC Petronas star topped every major session, claimed both race victories and completed his second consecutive perfect Grand Prix weekend.

His 120th career Grand Prix victory also strengthened his grip on the 2026 MXGP World Championship, extending his lead to an imposing 104 points with just five rounds remaining.

Even mechanical concerns during Race Two couldn’t slow “The Bullet.”

Despite nursing clutch problems late in the race, Herlings still controlled the gap comfortably before crossing the finish line to complete another flawless performance.

“It was a great weekend… two good starts today, I led every lap,”.

said Herlings

Behind him, Kay de Wolf produced a mature ride to finish second overall after recently extending his contract with Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, while Tim Gajser secured another valuable podium finish despite continuing to adapt to his Yamaha machinery.

Camden McLellan Conquers Lommel

While Herlings dominated MXGP, South African fans had even more reason to celebrate.

Camden McLellan arrived at Lommel knowing the sand circuit suited his riding style.

He left with his first-ever perfect 1-1-1 Grand Prix weekend.

Starting outside the top ten in Race One, McLellan charged through the field with incredible pace before capitalising on teammate Guillem Farres‘ mistake to claim victory.

Race Two produced another thrilling battle.

McLellan hunted down Simon Längenfelder before repeatedly exchanging positions in one of the weekend’s best duels. Eventually, the Triumph Racing Factory rider found the decisive move and never looked back.

The victory marked only his second career Grand Prix win—but perhaps his most important.

It also moved the South African to within just 13 championship points of second place, keeping his title hopes firmly alive.

Character Built in the Sand

McLellan’s post-race comments perfectly captured what Lommel demands from every rider.

“With ten minutes to go I was so jammed up with roost and dirt I had to basically throw up in my helmet and keep going. It wasn’t easy. But I like that, it’s a bit of character building.”

Those words summed up the weekend.

Lommel rewards riders who refuse to quit.

McLellan’s fitness, aggression and consistency proved decisive, especially after recovering from average starts in both motos.

Triumph Continues Its Championship Charge

Although Guillem Farres couldn’t stop his teammate, the Spaniard still enjoyed another hugely successful weekend.

Second overall extended his podium streak while maintaining control of the MX2 championship with a 47-point advantage over Sacha Coenen.

For Triumph Racing Factory Team, another one-two finish reinforced the team’s growing dominance in the class.

Längenfelder rounded out the podium after battling through one of motocross’ toughest circuits, while Karlis Reisulis continued his impressive season with fourth overall.

Eyes Turn to Sweden

After the brutality of Lommel, riders finally receive a brief opportunity to recover before the championship resumes in Sweden.

For Herlings, momentum couldn’t be stronger.

Two perfect weekends have transformed the title race into his to lose.

For McLellan, confidence has never been higher.

His breakthrough performance in Belgium has established him as one of the championship’s genuine contenders heading into the final five rounds.

If Lommel was the ultimate test of endurance, both champions passed with flying colours.

Now the battle for the 2026 world titles heads to Uddevalla, where the pressure will only continue to build.