A Racing Legend's New Chapter: Glenn Coldenhoff's Journey to Brazil
The Unbelievable Truth: A Top Rider Left Without a Ride
Glenn Coldenhoff, a name synonymous with MXGP excellence, has been a dominant force for over a decade and a half. With an impressive third-place finish in the 2025 MXGP rankings and a stellar record in MX2 and MXoN, his skills are undeniable. Yet, in a shocking turn of events, the 2026 season left him without a team that matched his caliber.
The Mystery Deepens: Why Was Glenn Left Out?
Glenn's success with the Fantic racing team is well-documented. However, with the team's shift to Ducati, he found himself in a challenging position. Despite his achievements, he was offered terms that didn't align with his expectations and experience. This led to a pivotal decision: to step away from MXGP and explore new horizons.
A Chat with Glenn: Unveiling His Brazilian Adventure
MXLarge caught up with Glenn to discuss his exciting move to the Brazilian motocross championship. Here's an insightful conversation:
MXLarge: Glenn, congratulations! But MXGP must have left a bitter taste. What's your take?
Glenn Coldenhoff: I've dedicated 15 years to MXGP, and finishing third deserved a better offer. So, I chose to move on. It's a tough decision, but I won't settle for less.
MXLarge: Any offers from top teams? Or was it a tough market?
Glenn: Fantic was an option, but the financial terms weren't right. I understand the challenges private teams face, but I had to make a choice.
MXLarge: You're known for your positivity. How do you feel about Brazil, especially with a young family?
Glenn: It's a fresh start. I'll keep my base in the Netherlands and travel for races. The Brazilian fans are incredible, and I'm excited for this new chapter. It's a big change, but I'm ready.
MXLarge: Could you become the next big star in Brazil, like Jett Lawrence or Jeffrey Herlings?
Glenn: [Laughs] It's a possibility. I aim to continue my MXGP-level performance. I'll train hard and give it my all. It's a new championship with new tracks, which excites me.
MXLarge: Any plans to race in MXGP or even Argentina, considering the proximity to your new fans?
Glenn: I won't do Argentina. I need to focus on my preparation and set up my own team. I plan to race in Europe, including some Dutch and Belgian events. As for MXGP, it depends on my schedule and costs.
MXLarge: With travel to Brazil, will you consider racing in the USA too?
Glenn: I've always wanted to race in the USA, but it didn't work out for 2026. I'm open to a full season there if the opportunity arises.
MXLarge: Any surprises about not racing in America, given the success of MXGP riders there?
Glenn: Supercross is a big deal in the USA, and teams want riders who do both. I won't do supercross, as it's not my background. I'd love to race outdoors, but teams want riders who do both disciplines.
MXLarge: Looking back, what are your career highlights?
Glenn: 2019 with Standing Construct KTM was special. I had a big injury in 2018, but I came back strong, winning two GPs and consistently finishing in the top five. MXoN in 2018 and 2019 were also memorable. Last year, I was strong from the start, which was a change from my usual slow start.
MXLarge: At 34, is retirement on the cards, or do you see a return to MXGP in 2027?
Glenn: It's an open question. I'll keep training and stay ready. If the right opportunity arises in 2027, I'd consider it. For now, Brazil is my focus.
And there you have it, folks! Glenn Coldenhoff's journey to Brazil is a fascinating one. What do you think? Could he become a Brazilian legend? Or is this a risky move? Let's discuss in the comments!
