Arco 2 – Cairoli and Hofer victorious as the title chase is blown wide open!

And breath. Can this championship get any better? This was another unbelievable day in the 2021 MXGP world title chase that ended with an ill Cairoli winning the GP and three points between the top three in the championship with three rounds left! This is simply the best motorcycle series in the world right now.

Race one and the drama was instant as Herlings went down in turn one and got his bike run over, damaging it in the process and ending up with a DNF – turning the championship on its head just when it looked like he took control! Up front Gajser had the lead but Febvre was putting the pressure on, until he tipped over! It looked like Gajser would take the win until Febvre regrouped, reeled Gajser in and then they went to war for the last five minutes with Febvre coming out on top – and at that point led the series by one point!

Race two and the pressure was high as Cairoli holeshot from Seewer but the title contenders were at the back of the top ten! Herlings was ahead of his rivals but he spun out on a slick turn and that let Gajser through and Febvre right on Herlings back wheel!

The trio, all riding under incredible pressure where one more bad mistake on a slick track could mean the end of their championship hopes, caught and passed Coldenhoff and were all coming together as the race ended with Seewer holding Gajser off for second as Herlings and Febvre closed right in – another five minutes and it was an all out battle! But Cairoli took a brilliant win as he wound back the years to control the race as the world title fight is on a knife edge with three to go and three points between Herlings, Febvre and Gajser with Herlings the one just about hanging onto the red plate!

A jubilant but hoarse Cairoli (3-1) said: “I really didn’t expect because Sunday I was feeling bad in two days recover a bit. The start was good and I could control the race and stay in front. I ride with a free mind and could ride a good race (no title pressure).”