This weekend, it's finally happening: the start of the MXGP World Championship in Argentina. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team is fielding the same three riders as last year: Maxime Renaux (24), Jago Geerts (24), and Calvin Vlaanderen (28). The trio has recovered from the injuries of 2024 and is hungry for success.

Just like last year, the season kicks off in Argentina. However, the beautiful location of Villa La Angostura - set between lakes and mountains - has been replaced by a brand-new track in Córdoba, Argentina's second-largest city. Before the gate drops for the first time, we ask our riders a few questions. Today, it's the turn of 24-time GP winner Jago Geerts.

2024 was a complete disaster due to a serious elbow injury. How is your elbow now?
Geerts: "It's in perfect shape. I haven't had any issues with it at all during training. That was already the case last year at the Nations. After that, I did a lot of strength training to make the muscles around it stronger, which improved my elbow even more." 

So you're in top shape at the start of this World Championship?
Geerts: "I had a good winter. My fitness level is strong, yes. In that regard, the old Jago is back. Now I just need to find the old Jago in the races again."

You've had three preseason races. What did you learn from them?
Geerts: "I got to know my bike even better. Don't forget that 2024 was almost a completely lost year. This winter, I was able to do a lot of training on the 450, which was really necessary. Hawkstone Park and Lierop went well. The only issue was that I couldn't push as hard as I wanted yet. Lacapelle-Marival was more difficult. It had been a long time since I raced on a hard-pack track. It took some time to adjust and find the right setup."

What are your ambitions for 2025?
Geerts: "In a way, this is a delayed debut in MXGP. At the beginning of last season, I aimed for the top five, and that goal hasn't changed."

Are you happy you don’t have to return to Villa La Angostura, the place where you broke your elbow last year?
Geerts: "No, not at all. I would have loved to race in Villa La Angostura. It was, is, and remains a beautiful track. And that crash had nothing to do with the circuit. I just had the sheer bad luck that someone fell right in front of me, leaving me with nowhere to go."

Fast forward to the end of September. Jago Geerts is a happy man if...
Geerts: "... I was able to compete in all the Grand Prix, stood on the podium a few times and finished in the top five of the World Championship."

Images @fullspectrum.media