Amid mounting controversy over Jeffrey Herlings’ exclusion from Team Netherlands at the 2025 MXoN in Ironman, KTM team manager Joel Smets has publicly addressed the issue. While speculation had swirled that KTM declined to supply Herlings with a bike for the event, Smets was emphatic in his denial — asserting that the team stood fully prepared to support the five‑time world champion, had he been selected to represent his nation.
“If Jeffrey Herlings, for whatever reason, didn’t want to be selected – not fit enough, financial implications, fear of the competition, or anything else – that’s his right, isn’t it? Respect that choice, communicate it as such, end of story. Tom Vialle, for example – a four-time world champion and surely France’s first choice – also didn’t want to take part. But with the French, there was no drama.”
“When the team manager told us about their choice, he looked about as comfortable as a polar bear in the desert. He did his utmost to justify their choices with a few pre-rehearsed stories. Now, he’s certainly not stupid, but acting or lying isn’t exactly his greatest talent – and it was obvious he didn’t believe his own story. Poor Barry, we actually felt sorry for him.”
“It also seems that in the KNMV offices they must watch a few too many mafia movies, because a ‘code of silence’ about the team was suddenly declared. Because of that, Calvin unfortunately didn’t get the credit he deserved.”
Despite his frustration, Smets closed on a more reflective note, acknowledging that mistakes happen and hoping lessons will be learned for the future.
“What’s done is done. But I dare say the KNMV has probably realised by now that they could have handled this a lot better. Still, who doesn’t make mistakes? And to reach great heights, sometimes you have to go through deep valleys. It’ll all be fine.”
