MXGP of Latvia 2025: Thrilling First Race Day at Ķegums

Home » Sports » MXGP of Latvia 2025: Thrilling First Race Day at Ķegums

MXGP of Latvia 2025 | 7 June 2025 | Zelta Zirgs Motocenter, Ķegums, Latvia

The MXGP of Latvia 2025 brought world-class motocross racing to Zelta Zirgs Motocenter in Ķegums on June 7–8. Saturday's opening day featured MXGP and MX2 qualifying races alongside EMX125 and EMX250 European Championship competition. Explore the photo gallery from June 7, featuring high-speed action, challenging sandy conditions, and memorable moments from the first day of racing.

Photography by Andris Rozentāls (AndrisR) — Ķegums, Latvia, 7 June 2025. All photos were taken with a Sony Alpha 7 III mirrorless camera, using the SIGMA 60–600mm DG DN OS Sports and Sony FE 24–105mm F/4 G lenses.

Learn more about advertising opportunities here!

MXGP of Latvia 2025: Thrilling First Race Day at Ķegums

Track Conditions at Zelta Zirgs

After rainfall ahead of the event, Saturday brought sunshine, allowing the sandy circuit to gradually dry throughout the day. However, the changing track conditions continued to challenge riders as deep ruts developed and racing lines became increasingly difficult.

The 1,800-metre Zelta Zirgs circuit is known for its soft sand, technical corners, and challenging jumps. Maintaining speed through these sections requires precise bike control, physical endurance, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

As the track evolved throughout the day, riders had to adjust their approach, particularly in the heavily used corners where deep ruts made every lap more demanding.

Learn more about advertising opportunities here!

Image: Original photograph of GASGAS rider Samuel Tapia (#268), taken by Andris Rozentāls at MXGP of Latvia 2025.

MXGP and MX2 Qualifying Highlights

The MXGP qualifying race featured a close battle between the championship’s leading contenders. Jeffrey Herlings claimed his first qualifying race victory of the 2025 season, holding off Lucas Coenen, who finished second ahead of championship leader Romain Febvre. Ruben Fernandez secured fourth place, while Glenn Coldenhoff completed the top five.

Herlings reflected on his performance after the race:

“Saturday is usually a tough day for me” — Jeffrey Herlings

In the MX2 category, Simon Längenfelder secured victory after a strong start helped him avoid the opening-corner incidents and establish an early lead. Thibault Benistant finished second, while Latvian rider Kārlis Alberts Reišulis impressed the home crowd with a third-place finish.

Längenfelder described his experience on the Ķegums circuit:

“I found some nice lines and just enjoyed myself out there” — Simon Längenfelder

Reišulis’ third-place finish was a particularly memorable moment for Latvian motocross fans. His performance in front of the home crowd added to the atmosphere at Zelta Zirgs and marked his best qualifying result of the 2025 season up to that point.

With Saturday’s qualifying races completed, the riders turned their attention to Sunday’s MXGP and MX2 Grand Prix races, where the battles for valuable championship points would continue.