Explain to me why Calvin Vlanderan has not given his spot to HERLIGS?

Because he’s a professional motocross rider, he’s a solid pick—maybe not Herlings, but more than capable—and you know he wants to represent his country in the biggest event of the year. Over here, we struggle to even get riders to commit unless it’s on home soil. For the GP guys, though, it’s an honor to be chosen, and he likely has his travel and equipment logistics already sorted. Why should he step aside when he was the team’s first choice?

Who's this Herligs guy? 😄

I do respect this argument.  Only rebuttal would be that herlings has won Ironman before, and could potentially win again.

I think he's an Herlings knockoff sold on Aliexpress, like Keihan and Maikuni carbs.

😉

I don’t know if I believe it, but rumor is KTM has the bikes and JH doesn’t.  And he’s not signed with HRC yet.

What would he ride?

It’s a bummer, because he seems to be back on form.  I don’t see him beating Jett, but he’s in the mix for sure.

Its simple, Herlings have injuries, Vlanderen not and have solid year. 

I thought I heard it was more of KTM not supporting him for the event??

Yeah, the way JH has been riding lately I would die to see him in an event of this caliber, he's not getting any younger either. Tough call for both parties.

But if he didn’t get picked because he didn’t have a bike to ride, he wouldn’t have been chosen as the reserve rider who you could argue would have to be able to have bikes available at the drop of a hat.

Herlings still riding a KTM on the 12th off October at a Dutch National in Valkenswaard. 

It all doesnt make sense anymore. 

He wants to test the Honda to be ready for next year 

Jefree Herligs 

Crazy that no journalist is jumping on this story to learn what the truth really is.

Maybe ask the Dutch Federation?

That makes sense. Send a 10th place guy over a podium threat, because he might get injured. 

I have been waiting to see Herlings ride since he was a polarizing  loudmouth punk that nobody liked turning pro (sound familiar in '25?).  I remember the arrogance, even the teen bar-fight stories - he sure has grown up a lot!  I thought I was going to get to see him at Redbud in '22 but that didn't happen.  When we bought tickets and flights for Ironman this year, I was sure we would finally get to see him this year, Now it looks like it is never going to happen (in the US)

I still don't know how he isn't on the team.  They have up until like the day before the race to adjust who is riding, but it clearly is not happening at this point.  Has to be something political with teams that we don't know about, but it sucks..  He is a legend and riding fantastic.

I bet KTM of America would have been more than happy to supply him with a bike. The main reason I have never been a huge fan of this event is the politics side. Herlings is still a top 5 racer in the world. 

What a nice problem to have. You picked your three riders, all are world class and can produce solid results and your backup is Herlings! 

you nailed it.

Probably related to that Gasjer guy that all the Americans keep talking about 

Herlings has been on a steel frame his entire Professional career. He himself probably decided it ain't a good idea to rock up at the MXoNs on a Honda which he has never ridden before...

I stand to be corrected but his KTM deal ends on the 30th and his HRC deal starts on 1st Oct. Hearsay but I'm sure someone can enlighten us.

Nevertheless, he simply does not have time to dial his new ride in before the MXoNs, therefore having Vlaanderen on the team is their best option.

Edit ' spelling

he's on fire and its all what we want to see,you just know he would go balls out as has got his ironman reputation to uphold.

team members allways get picked on their current form in any kind of sport , so wtf is going here. us fans need some facts, so where are all moto journalist!

this is not correct contracts last until 31december in europa.......a week after the mxdn,he still riding his ktm in valkenswaard

Thank you. So then it does beg to question why he was not selected for team Nederland.

Can we all agree with the fact that Vlaanderen has nothing to do with this weird situation?

I agree and as a fellow Saffa I'm stoked that Calvin is on the team. 

I mean he shouldn't be eligible because he is South African.

I say sack him and bring Herlings in