Photo credits: Infront Moto Racing
This is Lommel. For long it has been considered one of the most difficult motocross track on the planet. Some even called it a torture chamber. But why is that?
It’s not about the big jumps, speed or the layout of the track that would make the track so difficult. It’s the sand. And it is deep.
Riding on such deep sand means constant throttle, full time bodywork and absolutely no rest. Riders would probably prefer a huge jump to take a breath, but there is no such. Just deep sand, bumps, smaller jumps and track changing every single lap.
The unpredictability is as high as it gets.
For some riders it wild be sand surfing while for others it will be sand digging.
You release the throttle – you stop, immediately. It’s that simple.
And that goes for 35 minutes straight. No break.
Now, some top riders like Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser make it look easy if you look how they go over.
That is why a lot of top MXGP riders live in Belgium in their off-season. So they can train on the toughest terrain possible. Even Jorge Prado used to live there, when he was still in Europe, while other riders who are situated in the southern part, often head towards Sardegna, which is not a walk in the park either.
Jeffrey Herlings returns this weekend. The world doesn’t expect him to win right away after the injury. But considering his sand skills and his mentality. Who knows.
Lommel winners last 5 years:
2024 – Jeffrey Herlings
2023 – Romain Febvre
2022 – Brian Bogers
2021 – Romain Febvre
2020 – Tim Gajser
Lommel is more than just a race track—it’s a proving ground, where mental grit, stamina, and sand mastery shape racing legends.
Who will come out on top this weekend?