Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider and recently crowned MX2 world champion Jeffrey Herlings claimed the Open class victory at yesterday’s 2016 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Maggiora, Italy.

The Dutchman raced to a qualifying heat win on Saturday, in what was his first professional outing aboard the KTM SX-F 450. Herlings was able to back up his result on Sunday, recording a 2-1 scorecard.

The 22-year-old was in contention for a perfect weekend, however after applying pressure to American Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) in their first moto, he would make a costly mistake that allowed Anderson to win comfortably.

“To go 1-2-1 in the qualifying and the two races is very good and I think I showed here I was one of the fastest all weekend,” Herlings stated. “I showed a lot of speed so I’m very pleased about that, and it’s good feedback for next season. We need that because it will be our rookie season.”

“We need that because it will be our rookie season. We only spent four days on the bike so far, so to go 1-2-1 here I think is already pretty amazing.”

Switzerland’s Arnaud Tonus (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki) and France’s Gautier Paulin (Team HRC) completed the podium in second and third respectively, while Australia’s Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) fell short of the top three in fourth after bouncing back from a start in the final race which saw the reigning Australian motocross champion outside of 30th position.