GP Bits: 2022 MXGP of Latvia

Photos by Juan Pablo Acevedo

First off, we want to wish Thomas Kjer Olsen the best of luck after a gnarly crash in the qualifying race has him in the hospital in a medically induced coma. Send good vibes.

Latvia was wet, but its a sandy track and can take a good amount of water.

HRC has joined KRT with the futuristic pit situation.

While other Astars athletes seem to change up their look as much as possible, Tom Vialle sticks to a consistent orange to match his bike.

Seewer's mud prep.

Crazy how it can go from this on Friday...

To this on Saturday.

Gajser went 1 - 1 for the overall victory.

With AC9 and K-Roc out, we don't get as many opportunities to see custom Fox gear.

The EMX125 class is strong at the MXGPs. Here is a closer look at the Team Yamaha MJC YZ125 of Kalis Alberts Reisulis.

As an official Yamaha supported team, there is going to be a lot of GYTR parts on this bike, like that pipe.

Sick shorty GYTR silencer.

Running Rekluse components and a cool anodized blue pipe hanger.

Closer look at the GYTR head.

Xtrig clamps and bar mounts, ODI controls. Nice touch with wrapping up the steering nut safety wire. And carbon tanks are always nice. GET CDI is the assumption with that color.

Clutch abuse is common, obviously, so that big star nut makes on the fly adjustments easier.

With the YZ125 being new this year, it would be interesting to see how the teams like the updated engine and what mods carry over.

Carbon skid plate and ignition cover are common, but carbon footpeg mount guard is less. Also, the spring on the carb... uh sure it's doing something!

Thos look like some really narrow pegs.

Polisport has the new plastic bodywork covered. I wonder how much more of a pain swapping seat covers is with the hole for the seat bolt.

Jorge Prado going from counter-steer drift to turning wheeling in a couple frames.

Oakley isn't the only ones with rad shades off the bike! These are Scott's latest cycling/casual shades, the Scott Pro Shield.

Custom stickers for JP61. Interesting that out of all the pros, Tony Cairoli was the only Sidi rider to rock the latest ATOJO boot, while all other Sidi racers have either stuck or swapped back to the Crossfire3s.

Langenfelder on the CF3s as well.

Petr Polak's CRF250R from the JM Honda Racing MX2 Team.

The first thing we look for on the CRF250Rs is an external water pump. None spotted here.

These tanks hit different on a Honda. Probably because see titanium often on HRC bikes. The safety wire on the vent hose is an extra precaution.

That HGS pipe is nice, and we've now got a few teams over here running their systems as well.

The red brake line is cool and so is the Moto Master MXC billet brake caliper.

Here is the front.

Another team riveting the lower section of the sidepanel for extra support.

Sight lap clean up is a b!tch.

Ruben Fernandez got third overall and showed off his Spanish roots.

Liam Everts with a nick name on his lid.

Latvian native Pauls Jonass had a great ride with 2 - 2 moto scores.

Pauls Jonass: “Today was almost like a dream come true. I just tried to stay calm, but it was not easy with all of the emotions and fans screaming. I got my first holeshot in a while too! We have put a lot of work in over the last week – everyone on the team had some late nights. I have to say a massive thank you to them for their effort. I am just super happy. I felt so good on the bike.”

Fernandez braking hard in hard-to-read conditions.

Astars with the visor cover and extension.

Here is a look at Guadagnini's MC 250F.

Those camps are super wide at the bottom. More width = less fork flex.

Graphics are kept pretty close to stock to match 2023 GASGAS bikes, though this is not one of those bikes.

No drilled holes or slots. They are going with the previous gen KTM vented air box.

Speedy likes a lot of grip on the side of his machine, he has way more than just the plastic guards we've seen. Plus, it looks like he wants more tension on his brake return spring. It has been relocated from the little hole you see below the swingarm pivot bolt.