The rolling Hampshire valley is a perfect setting for this massive event, with brilliant track visibility, dramatic elevation changes, and huge spectator areas which always create an incredible atmosphere for this monumental event!  Both of the MXoNs at this circuit have generated winning teams in the middle of a streak of victories, but also been more famous for their individual winners in the memories of fans!

The 2006 event was the second of a seven-year run of team victories for Team USA, but the legend that is Stefan Everts was racing internationally for the last time and took a famous double race win over the revered American James Stewart. That put Team Belgium 2nd overall with Team New Zealand in third.

In 2017, Team France took its fourth win in a run of five, but loudly-cheered local British hotshot Max Anstie defeated an in-form Jeffrey Herlings in both of his races to help put Team Great Britain on the podium at home, behind Herlings’ Team Netherlands trio and a solid team effort from winners France.

Since then, the last four editions of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations have all been won by the host nations! Team Netherlands achieving a historical first win ever in the event, at Assen in 2019, then in 2021, Team Italy gave the legend of Antonio Cairoli his only career MXoN Gold Medal on home sand at Mantova. Then Team USA ended an 11-year drought in the competition in impressive fashion, winning at their RedBud stronghold with massive home support!

Finally, last season, Team France triumphed in front of a massive home crowd at the incredible Ernee venue, aided by a 1-2 finish in the second race for Maxime Renaux and Tom Vialle.  It would probably be the shock of the century to see Team GB continue this trend with three riders who do not compete at GPs regularly, but as always with the Nations, and with Motocross in general, anything could happen!

Team France come in as defending Champions, and in fact they have won six of the last nine Monster Energy Motocross of Nations titles! With exactly the same line-up as last year’s event, Romain Febvre, Tom Vialle, and Maxime Renaux will be wearing numbers 1, 2, and 3, and despite an injury-interrupted year for the two 450 riders, Vialle has had a strong season in the USA and could be the glue that keep this winning combination together. They are the only team with three World Champions in their line-up, although as with all of last year’s top four Nations, none of them have scored a GP win this season.

Main Photo: 201 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Matterley Basin Start

Small Photos: 1. Team France wins in 2023 Ernée 2. Team USA wins 2022  Redbud 

Team Australia feature two of the biggest stars in Motocross racing with brothers Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence both on factory 450 Honda machinery, joined by top Australian Championship rider Kyle Webster, and could well be the favourites for the event after finishing second last year.  It would be their first ever success at the MXoN, and in a country that speaks their language they could well have the busiest transporter area in the paddock!

Team Italy were surprise podium finishers at Ernee last year, and racing with numbers 7, 8, and 9 they return with the same trio that got them there in ’23.  Alberto Forato has been in good form since his return from injury, Andrea Adamo also finished on the podium in the final MX2 Grand Prix and has a point to prove after an otherwise disappointing season as defending MX2 World Champion. Andrea Bonacorsi had a promising first year in Grand Prix racing, switching from MX2 to MXGP early in the season and finishing tenth in the series.  An outside bet of getting there again, but all three are strong and consistent.

Photos: 1. Jett Lawrence in Erné 2023 2. Podium Celebration 2017 Matterley Basin 

This weekend, Team USA is the defending Champion and historically the best nation of the competition with 23 Titles. Their line-up will be Aaron Plessinger, R.J Hampshire and Christian Craig, and will want to win the first Chamberlain Trophy by Team USA in Europe since 2011.

Team Germany, bring Ken Roczen back once more to the MXoN after he took overall victory in the MXGP class last year, and joined by Simon Laengenfelder he has a good MX2 rider with him as well. Amazingly, Simon wasn’t born when their Open class rider, Max Nagl, first competed at the Nations, but the 37-year-old has dominated the German International Championship in his home country, and re-united with Roczen as two-thirds of their winning 2012 team, they could well rise to the podium.

Photos: 1. Ken Roczen dominates in Erné 2023 2. Maxime Renaux in Ernée in 2023 

Team Belgium have had a torrid end to the season with injuries, and at one point their participation looked to be in doubt, but Jago Geerts, Lucas Coenen, and Brent van Doninck will line up at Matterley. Both 450 riders have had injury-affected seasons, but Coenen will be looking to put a few 450s to shame with his blistering speed that saw him win the last three MX2 Grands Prix of the year!

Team Switzerland return with one of the most experienced line-ups with Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus, and Valentin Guillod, while Team Spain sees now double World Champion Jorge Prado spearhead their campaign for the podium, with the same teammates as last year I the shape of Oriol Oliver and Ruben Fernandez.

Eighth last year, Team USA look to have a stronger squad in 2024, despite the injury to their new 450 National Champion Chase Sexton. The legend of Eli Tomac will make his first appearance in the UK outdoors, and his addition is a mouth-watering prospect, especially alongside his experience teammate Cooper Webb, and the only returnee from last year’s event, Aaron Plessinger.  They are definitely contenders for the podium, maybe even the win!

Team Slovenia and Team Great Britain were the other top ten teams last season, and five-time World Champion Tim Gajser will be keen to prove a point after narrowly losing the MXGP world crown a week ago. Jan Pancar is a rising star capable of getting amongst the top guys as well! The home team bring veteran Tommy Searle back to the MXGP class, with 2017 Matterley winner Max Anstie coming across from the USA to get the home crowd roaring once more! The enigma that is four-time British Champion Conrad Mewse, who has defeated Jeffrey Herlings in the UK this year, looks to bring his domestic pace to the Nations for his home fans!

After a disastrous event in 2023, Team Netherlands wear numbers 52, 53, and 54 this year, but Jeffrey Herlings has been phenomenal at times this season and will be going all-out for a second Nations win for his country, especially alongside new MX2 World Champion Kay de Wolf and many-time Nations winner Glenn Coldenhoff. Definitely contenders for the top positions!

.    

Photos: 1. Jefffrey Herlings 2. Jorge Prado MXGP World Champion 2024

The 77th edition of the event will see the huge participation teams, including the special team representing FIM Latin America, and other teams coming from different continents such as Rep of South Africa, Chile, Japan, Venezuela and Brazil. With pride, passion, and patriotism all on display, this will be a Nations unlike any other!

It is a mouth-watering prospect to see the top American and Australian stars battle with the MXGP and MX2 elite at this incredible one-off event – you do not want to be missing this one!

2023 MXoN Nations Classification Top 10 (Ernee, France)

1. France
2. Australia
3. Italy
4. Germany
5. Belgium 
6. Switzerland
7. Spain
8. USA
9. Slovenia
10. Great Britain

WEEKEND TIMETABLE (CEST)

FRIDAY: 10:30 Opening Press Conference, 11:00 Ballot, 12:30 Teams Press Conference, 16:30 Teams and Riders Presentation to the crowd.

SATURDAY: 08:00 bLU cRU 125 Free/Timed Practice, 08:40 bLU cRU 85 Free/Timed Practice, 09:20 bLU cRU 65 Free/Timed Practice, 10:00 MXGP Free Practice, 10:50 MX2 Free Practice, 11:40 Open Free Practice, 13:10 bLU cRU 65 Free/Timed Practice,13:45 bLU cRU 85 Race, 14:30 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race, 15:30 MX2 RAM Qualifying RACE 16:30 Open RAM Qualifying Race, 17:30 Paddock Show. 

SUNDAY: 08:35 B-Final Warm-up, 09:20 bLU cRU 125 Race, 10:00 MXoN Group 1 Warm-up, 10:20 MXoN Group 2 Warm-up, 11:00 B-Final, 12:40 Parade Lap, 13:10 MXGP & MX2 (MXoN Race 1), 14:40 MX2 & Open (MXoN Race 2), 16:08 Open & MXGP (MXoN Race 3).

Leading the charge for Team GB in the MXGP class is the experienced Tommy Searle. Returning to the MXON after his last appearance at Red Bud in 2022, this year’s event marks Searle’s 13th time representing his country. Searle, who first competed in the MXON at Matterley Basin in 2006, currently holds second place in the Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship (MX2 class). For this event, he’ll be stepping up to the 450cc class, riding his Dirt Store Kawasaki.

Reflecting on his selection, Searle shared, “I’m really looking forward to representing Team GB. I’m going all in now for the next few weeks to do my very best. With Max and Conrad on the team, we have a great lineup. To be doing what I imagine will be my final MXON in the UK is something dreams are made of. I’ll put in the graft now to get the results that can make the nation proud.”

Joining Searle in the team is the reigning British MX1 Champion and three-time British MX2 Champion, Conrad Mewse, who will compete in the MX Open class aboard his Crendon Tru7 Honda Racing 450 machine. Mewse has been in top form this season, currently locked in a close battle with five-time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, sitting just 15 points behind in the British Championship standings.

“It’s an honour to represent Team GB at our home MXON,” Mewse said. “With the experience that Max and Tommy bring, I feel confident and ready. I want to extend a massive thanks to Mark Chamberlain for the selection, and I’m committed to giving my all for our nation.”

Rounding out the team is Max Anstie, who will take on the MX2 class riding his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250. Anstie returns to Matterley Basin, the scene of his historic 1-1 victory at the 2017 MXON. Since joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, Anstie has consistently delivered top-10 finishes in the AMA Nationals, including impressive top-5 results at Spring Creek and Unadilla.

“I’m excited to be coming home for Matterley MXON on my Star Yamaha,” Anstie stated. “We have a strong team, and I’m looking forward to an amazing event. Last time we were here for MXON, it was a dream weekend, so let’s go make it another great one! I appreciate the team and Mark working together to make this happen.”

With three strong riders, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain commented, “Lots of work has gone into getting the best Team that we can for our home Nations, it was important to put every effort into securing Max on what is a great bike and Team in Star Racing Yamaha.

“Then you add Conrad who has had another great season racing Herlings at the British Championship and it has elevated his level, so excited to see him on his Crendon Fasttrack Tru7 Honda Racing. Tommy Searle, what can you say? 6 weeks ago, I asked if he could help with the Team to prepare leading up to the race! Tommy has come into form at the right time, and I believe is the man for the job.

“He is happy in the Dirt Store Kawasaki Team and it’s showing. All 3 riders have stood on the podium for Team GB over the last few years and have had great results at Matterley individually. Let’s get behind them as I’m sure they will give everything for the home fans!”

The line-up so far is:

Australia: Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence, Kyle Webster

Holland: Jeffrey Herlings, Calvin Vlaanderen, Kay De Wolf

USA: Chase Sexton, Aaron Plessinger, Chance Hymas

New Zealand: Hamish Harwood, Brodie Connolly and Josiah Natzke (as Nathan Crawfoid is out through injury)

Belgium: Lucas Coenen, Sacha Coened, Lian Everts

France: Maxime renaux, Romain Febvre, Tom Vialle

Germany: Ken Rocze, Simon Langenfelder, Max Nagl

Latvia: Karlis Reisulis, Mairus Pumpurs, Edvards Bidzans (as Pauls Jonass is injured)

Denmark: Mads Fredsoe, Mikkel Haarup. Nicolai Skovberg

Austria: Marcel Stauffer, Michael Sandner, Michael Kratzner

Ireland: Martin Barr, Jason Meara, Cole McCullogh

Czech Republic: Petr Polak, Julius Mikula, Jakub, Teresak

Canada: Jess Pettis, Kaven Benoit, Dylan Wright

Iceland: Eiour Orri Palmarrson, Manu Freyr Petursson, Alender Adam Kuc

Portugal: Luis Outeiro, Sandro Lobo, Paulo Alberto

Lithuania: Domantas Jazdauskas, Marius Adomaitis, Erlandas Mackonis

Venezuela: Anthony Rodriguez, Daniel Bortolin, Lorzenzo Locurio

Japan: Haruki Yokoyama, Yuki Okura, Kainosuke Oshiro

Brazil: Enzo Lopes, Bernardo Tiburcio, Fabio Santos

South Africa: Camoron Durow, Camden McLellan, Tristan Purdon

Switzerland: Jeremy Seewer, Valentin Guillod, Arnaud Tonys, Kevin Brumann, Nico Greutmann (shortlist of five)

After five years without winning the Peter Chamberlain’s Trophy, Team France made up with Romain Febvre, Tom Vialle and Maxime Renaux took the top step of the podium at the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, on home soil in Ernée.

The day before, the trio had already performed well, taking first place overall, with a win for Tom Vialle in MX2 and for Maxime Renaux in Open, while Romain Febvre took the 5^th in MXGP. Team Manager Gautier Paulin couldn’t be happier for his riders, he who won the 2018 competition in Redbud, the United States, with Dylan Ferrandis and Jordi Tixier.

Joining the winners on the podium was Team Australia with Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence and Dean Ferris, while rounding out the podium was Team Italy, composed of Alberto Forato, Andrea Adamo and Andrea Bonacorsi.

In the euphoria of yesterday’s first-place finish in the RAM Qualifying Races, Team France needed to achieve an excellent result in front of their home fans. And Romain Febvre can be relied upon to do just that. The Frenchman knew he was expected to perform well, after Tom Vialle and Maxime Renaux had taken first places the previous day. He pleased his fans by getting off to a good start behind Jorge Prado, who took the Fox Holeshot. 

The Spaniard, who is used to getting off to a roaring start, tried to break away as he had done during the RAM Qualifying Race, but this time the home hero, wouldn’t let him edge away. Staying behind his season-long rival it was around Lap 6 that #4 began his attacks on him. And after an aborted attempt, he temporarily took the lead of the race.

Behind this unstoppable duo, Team Switzerland Jeremy Seewer clung on to 3rd place until on Lap 8, when Team Germany’s Ken Roczen attacked him in a corner and snatched the last step of the podium from his grasp.The German, who made a mistake a few moments later, lost this position, but in a new battle with Seewer, he finally got it back.  

But the front was the place to be, and in a burst of pride, Prado managed to regain the advantage over Febvre thanks to a strong move. The Spaniard thought he had done the hard part with three laps to go, but he underestimated his opponent, who decided to engage in a virile side-by-side battle. The crowd certainly played its part at this point in the race, as the Frenchman managed to get back in front of the Spaniard. Febvre achieved a new feat for Team France, crossing the finish line first, ahead of Jorge Prado, 2nd and Ken Roczen, 3rd.

One of the most remarkable comebacks of the day belonged to Team Australia’s Jett Lawrence, who, despite an early fall that left him languishing in the mid-20s, showcased his tenacity and skill. Lawrence embarked on an aggressive charge through the pack, taking daring lines to make a remarkable comeback and ultimately finishing an impressive 6th.

Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), 35:22.325; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:02.320; 3. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:26.166; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:28.846; 5. Aaron Plessinger (USA, KTM), +0:30.267; 6. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:33.837; 7. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:33.940; 8. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:41.304; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:43.080; 10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:43.887

In Race 2 – MX2 and Open classes – Team Switzerland’s Valentin Guillod came out to play spoilsport, taking the lead through the first corner, taking the FOX Holeshot and avoiding the pile-up that left a dozen unfortunate riders behind. But the experienced Swiss barely had time to savour his start, as in the second corner, Team Spain’s Ruben Fernandez took the smile away from him by getting in front. That destabilised Seewer and Arnaud Tonus’s teammate, who ended up on the ground a few meters later. 

Behind, Team France’s Maxime Renaux took advantage of the Swiss rider’s rout to close on Fernandez. The French public’s favourite kept a close distance from the Spaniard and waited until Lap 10 to make a move on his rival. A first attempt was denied by Fernandez, who had seen #6 trying to pass on the outside. But the next attempt was the winning one, after a very long jump, which Fernandez could do nothing anoput. The Spanish rider crashed a few seconds later, jeopardizing his hopes of top spot finish in the race. Team France’s Tom Vialle, who was in third place at the time, wasted no time in passing the unfortunate #18.

Meanwhile, the battle for the last step of the podium was already raging between Team Belgium’s Liam Everts and Team Italy’s Andrea Adamo. Usually teammates, the two young riders did not do each other any favour. Adamo put a lot of pressure on the Belgian in the final minutes of the race, but the MX2 World Champion was unable to get the upper hand. 

Renaux eased off the throttle a little towards the end of the race but took the win ahead of his compatriot, Vialle. Everts took 3rd place. Adamo and Team Australia’s Hunter Lawrence completed the Top 5.

Race 2 (MX2 + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 34:00.428; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:00.882; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:17.342; 4. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:20.937; 5. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:30.599; 6. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +0:38.812; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:43.751; 8. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:46.180; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.878; 10. RJ Hampshire (USA, Husqvarna), +0:49.211

The final round of the day saw the MXGP and Open classes battle it out. And it was Roczen who crossed the Fox Holeshot line ahead of everyone else. Renaux had been following the German closely but was caught by J.Lawrence after a few corners and ended up 3rd. 

Just outside the podium, Team Slovenia’s Tim Gajser struggled to get the better of Fernandez and made the pass on lap 3. However, the Slovenian was unable to hold on to 4th place, and had to give it up under pressure from Prado, who was more discreet during this round.

A little further back, Team Italy’s Alberto Forato in fine form at the end of the year, got into a battle with Febvre for 8th place. But the Frenchman was no slouch at this game, and on Lap 3 he powered through the Italian on a straight section. Less than a minute later, the two riders were at it again, and the Italian regained his position on a downhill. But on lap 7, the hard-working Frenchman played another trick on Forato, taking a shortcut through the air.

Almost at the same time, J.Lawrence 2nd, also took to the air on Lap 7, his double jump leaving Roczen struggling with the ground. The Australian didn’t wait for his rivals and went straight to victory. He won ahead of Roczen 2nd,  Renaux 3rd, Prado 4th and Gajser 5th.

Race 3 (MXGP + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), 35:25.550; 2. Ken Roczen (GER, Suzuki), +0:07.295; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:11.349; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:12.854; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:21.737; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:23.245; 7. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:01.929; 8. Alberto Forato (ITA, KTM), +1:05.270; 9. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.321; 10. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +1:19.073.

Once the final race had concluded at the podium celebrations had ended, the team’s headed to the Media Centre for the official press conference where the top three nations, the individual class winners and the winner of the Ricky Carmichael Award answered journalists’ questions and were awarded with their prizes.

Team Germany’s Ken Roczen was the overall winner in the MXGP category, while in the MX2 class it was Team France’s Tom Vialle. Team France’s Maxime Renaux won the individual win in the Open category while it was Team Belgium’s Lucas Coenen who got rewarded the Ricky Carmichael Award for the youngest and best scoring rider in the class.

The top three teams were presented with their FIM medals by FIM President Jorge Viegas, FFM President Sebastien Poirier and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, followed by the presentation of the Champions Rings to the winning team by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo.

Nations Classifications – Top 10: 1. France 14pts, 2. Australia 34 pts, 3. Italy 43pts, 4. Germany 47pts, 5. Belgium 55pts, 6. Switzerland 55pts, 7. Spain 59pts, 8. USA 65pts, 9. Slovenia 85pts, 10. Great Britain 89pts.

Maxime Renaux: “It’s an amazing weekend. I went first and third in the race so I helped the team to get the win but I also have two amazing teammates with Romain (Febvre) and Tom (Vialle). Tom did a super good job and Romain too. I really think it was the winning team today. I’m so happy that we could put it together because it’s never easy, even more as we were expected by the French crowd sop really happy that we could bring it home. It’s an amazing feeling, I never seen that many people around a track, singing an all. It was really emotional.”

Jett Lawrence: “In the first race the start wasn’t too bad but after falling and starting dead last wasn’t ideal but I felt good on the track, I felt fit and not tired at all and were able to finish strong. On the second race, I was able to get a good start to go 2nd and got to chase Kenny (Roczen) like back in America. I then put my head down and got on the flow to pass him. It’s the best-ever finished yet, and we’re looking forward for next year”

Andrea Adamo: “It was an amazing moment for us. I wasn’t feeling my best in the first race but we were having fun which is the most important. I the second race I was able to get a better start and makes some passes and I was fighting with Liam (Everts) for P.3 although I was really happy to finish fourth and second of the MX2. This result means a lot for us as we are very young and the other guys have more experience than us so it almost feels like a win for us!”

The MXGP spot will see Ben Watson lead the team as he returns to Team GB at the MXON after previously contesting the event in 2018 and 2021. The MXGP regular from Nottingham will be onboard his Factory Beta MRT Racing machine which he is currently sitting 13th in the World MXGP Championship with finishes including a number of top 10 finishes this season. 

Three times British MX2 Champion and the current points leader of the Revo ACU British MX1 Championship and the Michelin MX Nationals, Conrad Mewse will be lining up to compete in the MX Open class on his Crendon Fasttrack Honda Racing 450 machine. Conrad has been in great form at British Championship level and will be contesting the MXON for the second time after competing in the MX2 class in 2021 when Team GB finished second. 

This year Josh Gilbert will be making his debut for the team in the MX2 class. The Cornish rider will be dropping back to the MX2 machine, prepared by the Crendon Fasttrack Honda Racing team. Gilbert currently sits second in the Revo ACU British MX1 Championship behind teammate Mewse. 

With three strong riders, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain commented, “I’m looking forward to working with the three riders. It’s a different approach from the last few years but I’m confident in the selection. We have had a good run prior to last year and what could go wrong did go wrong at Redbud so it was time for a change with some of our guys either not available or coming to the end of their Motocross careers. 

The one thing I have had from the start and again this year is a desire to ride for Team GB which is great to see from all of the boys. 

Ben will effectively lead the Team having done the event a couple of times now so just that little bit more experience at this event. Conrad has had a great British Championship so far and is riding the best he has in his career so we are excited to see what he can do. Josh has been battling closely with Conrad all year which has in turn brought his speed on, so he is in great form as well. The 250 spot was a hard call, but I think Josh will do a good job for Team GB.” 

While yesterday’s qualifying day presented the perfect weather conditions, today was a different story, with an overnight downpour and continued rain throughout the day creating some challenging conditions which tested not only man but also machine – but did not hinder the spirits of the thousands of fans who showed their support! The atmosphere around the venue was next to none, with incredible support from start to finish by the huge crowd of fans that turned out in their most patriotic outfits and made plenty of sound throughout the day. 

It was a big victory for the hosting nation, as Tomac, Cooper and Sexton made history by putting the American flag back on the top step for the first time since Saint Jean d’Angely in 2011.

Joining the winners on the podium was Team France with Maxime Renaux, Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis who finished with 23 points, 7 behind Team USA, while rounding out the podium was Team Australia’s Mitch Evans, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence with 26 points.

In the first MXGP and MX2 combined race, the Fox Holeshot went to Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts who held a very tight line into the first corner ahead of Team USA’s Eli Tomac who took over first place immediately. Team France’s Maxime Renaux was third ahead of Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer as the Yamaha-bound riders dominated the opening race.

Further down the field, Team Italy’s Antonio Cairoli managed to pass Team Australia’s Hunter Lawrence and Team USA’s Justin Cooper, as he moved himself up to seventh, where he would eventually finish the race.

Geerts meanwhile put up a fight to Tomac, as he set several fastest laps of the race, and managed to whittle the gap down to a second or so, before making a mistake and allowing the American to break free again.

Team Netherlands’ Glenn Coldenhoff had an unfortunate start to his race as he struggled down in 32^nd in the first few laps, while his fellow countryman Kay de Wolf was in 10^th.

Team Belgium’s Liam Everts passed Adamo for 11^th as Seewer closed in on Renaux for third. The Swiss was able to get alongside the Frenchman, but could not make the pass stick, despite making several attempts.

Team Switzerland was dealt a blow as Valentin Guillod struggled with his bike and was forced out of the race which meant that a good result from Seewer was crucial for the squad.

Further down the order, Adamo, Team France’s Marvin Musquin and Team Norway’s Kevin Horgmo battled closely for 13^th, with Musquin able to find a way past, as Team Great Britain’s Max Anstie came into pitlane with a bike issue.

In the latter stages of the race, Tomac looked in control as Geerts remained close and Renaux continued to fend off Seewer behind him. Team Australia’s Mitch Evans came under pressure from Team Spain’s Jorge Prado at one stage of the race but was able to remain calm and bring it home in fifth for the Aussie squad.

In the end, Tomac won ahead of Geerts, Renaux, Seewer and Evans.  

Main Photos: 2022 MXoN Podium – Eli Tomac

Bottom Photos: 1. Race 1 Start , 2. Mitch Evans

Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Eli Tomac (USA, Yamaha), 35:23.672; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:03.243; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:58.986; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:11.659; 5. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +1:24.846; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +1:29.402; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:33.403; 8. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +1:34.431; 9. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), +1:48.130; 10. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +1:56.440;

The second heat saw Team Italy’s Mattia Guadagnini take the Fox Holeshot from Team USA’s Chase Sexton and Team Australia’s Jett Lawrence, as several riders went down in the first corner which included Team Great Britain’s Tommy Searle and Team France’s Dylan Ferrandis, among others.

The second rider of the American team, Cooper, started well in fourth, as Australia’s H. Lawrence crashed to re-join in 19^th.

Further down the field, Ferrandis was making great progress through the field as he got himself into 11^th and set his sights on breaking the top 10, with his teammate Musquin also ahead.

At the front of the group though, Guadagnini was still in control, with J. Lawrence pushing Sexton for that second position. After several attempts, Sexton was able to get through on Guadagnini, though the Italian responded shortly after.  

Sexton then lost second to J. Lawrence, who forced the issue on the American. Moments later, the Aussie was also able to get by Guadagnini to lead the second race.

As J. Lawrence led the way, Ferrandis was making moves down in seventh, and then sixth after passing Team Netherlands’ Calvin Vlaanderen and setting the fastest lap of the race. Meanwhile his teammate, Musquin was coming under pressure from H. Lawrence, who eventually passed the Frenchman but then threw it away moments later.

Sexton then got around Guadagnini for second, as also Cooper closed in on the Italian, but Guadagnini was able to hold off the American until the chequered flag.

J. Lawrence won the second heat ahead of Sexton, Guadagnini, Cooper and Team Spain’s Ruben Fernandez.

Main Photo: Jett Lawrence

Bottom Photos: 1. Race 2 Start; 2. Chase Sexton

Race 2 (MX2 + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), 36:19.920; 2. Chase Sexton (USA, Honda), +0:14.240; 3. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, GASGAS), +0:20.238; 4. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), +0:22.058; 5. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:25.555; 6. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Yamaha), +0:31.445; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +1:05.933; 8. Harri Kullas (EST, Yamaha), +1:11.398; 9. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), +1:13.503; 10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +1:18.053;

In the final and the most crucial race of the day the Fox Holeshot went to Renaux, as Ferrandis took over the lead almost immediately, which meant it was a 1-2 for Team France, followed by Sexton, Prado, Seewer and J. Lawrence.

Geerts crashed as he headed towards the second corner, which also caught out Tomac and meant both riders had to work their way up from the back of the field.

Evans, who was running pretty well at the beginning of the race crashed and got going again in 35^th. The Australian managed to bring it home in 28^th by the end of the heat.

Ferrandis was looking fast, with Renaux fending off a hard-charging Sexton who was pushing to get by. On lap four, there was a change for the lead, as Ferrandis crashed and got going again in sixth.

Renaux was the leader with Sexton, J. Lawrence, Prado and Seewer just behind. Tomac was in seventh at the time, but Ferrandis had a big enough gap to the American that he did not have to worry too much about potential pressure from behind.

Prado then dropped two positions to Seewer and Ferrandis, as Lawrence charged down the inside of Sexton to take second on lap eight. The Australian then focused his attention on Renaux who was keen to bring the win home for the nation.

In the end, Renaux held on and took the race victory from J. Lawrence, Sexton, Ferrandis and Seewer. Team USA ended up as this year’s winners with a 16-point scorecard ahead of Team France who ended up second with 23 points ahead of Team Australia who were third with 26 points. 

Main Photo: Race 3 Start;

Bottom Photos: 1. Maxime Renaux; 2 Dylan Ferrandis

Race 3 (MXGP + Open) – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 35:30.165; 2. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:04.600; 3. Chase Sexton (USA, Honda), +0:08.303; 4. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.408; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:19.507; 6. Eli Tomac (USA, Yamaha), +0:52.551; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +1:02.266; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +1:18.847; 9. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:31.044; 10. Dylan Wright (CAN, Honda), +1:40.392;

Once the final race had concluded at the podium celebrations had ended, the team’s headed to the Media Centre for the official press conference where the top three nations, the individual class winners and the winner of the Ricky Carmichael Award answered journalists’ questions and were awarded with their prizes.

Team France’s Maxime Renaux was the overall winner in the MXGP category, while in the MX2 class it was Justin Cooper. Jett Lawrence who made his Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations debut with the individual win in the Open category was also awarded the Ricky Carmichael Award for the youngest and best scoring rider in the class

Following the words of each rider, the top three teams were presented with their FIM medals by FIM President Jorge Viegas, FIM Board Member Robert Dingman and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, followed by the presentation of the Champions Rings to the winning team by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo.

Nations Classifications – Top 10: 1. USA 16pts, 2. France 23 pts, 3. Australia 26pts, 4. Italy 49pts, 5. Belgium 50pts, 6. Spain 51pts, 7. The Netherlands 62pts, 8. Germany 71pts, 9. Switzerland 90pts, 10. Great Britain 98pts.

Eli Tomac: “That’s what it was, it felt like a redemption you know from the team here and I just first off, I want to say how proud I am of my teammates, Chase and Justin. This is truly a team event and there is no race like this. Yesterday started great for us for the qualifying heats and then the rain this morning. This really levelled the playing field but we came through strong in these muddy conditions. 11 years is a long time, so I’m just proud of my teammates and everyone who is part of Team USA, this is very special for us”.

Maxime Renaux: “Of course it’s great! But I want to start about the team, you know it was not the result we wanted, we wanted to go for the win, but sometimes things don’t go as planned and USA was really strong today. But I am really happy to say we had a really good atmosphere in the team, these guys were like friends that I knew a very long time, they were really like big brothers to me. They both know the track so they gave me a lot of advice and I want to thank them for that and my result for sure is a part of that. Personally, first victory at the Motocross of Nations in the 450 class was amazing with some pretty strong names”.

Hunter Lawrence: “It was really good. In the past years, we have had where we come into the last race somewhat in contention and close to the podium, and we’ve just not been fortunate enough to pull it off, so to do so here is awesome. To do it with my brother, but also Mitch, it’s really cool! Just stoked for everyone. HRC they all came together that was really cool. So yeah, it’s good. And we’re excited for next year we didn’t have some really good years coming up”.

The qualifying races today decided which 19 teams will head straight into Sunday’s races, while the rest will battle it out for the final spot in the B final tomorrow morning. For teams who have their eyes set on the podium, the qualifying heats were crucial for deciding the best gate pick for the main action.

While it was Team USA who qualified best as a nation, the qualification race wins went to Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts (MXGP), Team USA’s Justin Cooper (MX2) and Dylan Ferrandis of Team France (Open).

In the MXGP qualifying heat, it was Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer who was the leading rider into the first corner as he led Team Australia’s Mitch Evans, Team Netherlands’ Glenn Coldenhoff and Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts, who made his 450cc debut.

Meanwhile, Team USA’s Eli Tomac started down in 10^th, though was able to make several passes in the opening laps to edge closer to the top five.

Seewer was looking solid in the lead until he folded the front before the end of the opening lap which allowed Evans to take over first place. Geerts was second at this point and pushing the Australian for the win. Evans was able to hold off the Belgian for two laps before Geerts found his way past.

Geerts then set the fastest lap of the race as he looked to break free of the rest of the field. All while, further down the order, Tomac was applying pressure onto Team France’s Maxime Renaux. It took the American several attempts to get around the Frenchman, but he was eventually able to do so and focused on Team Spain’s Jorge Prado and Coldenhoff who were just ahead.

Geerts led the way by 3.121 seconds as Seewer was looking to make a comeback after his mistake earlier on in the race. The Swiss got onto the rear wheel of Evans before moving past the Australian with 3 minutes and two laps to go, with Evans coming under further pressure by Tomac.

Four laps from the end of the heat, Tomac was able to pass Evans and set his sights on Seewer as the pair battled intensely for the next couple of laps. Mistakes crept in for both riders, but it was Tomac who came out on top after passing Seewer on the final lap.

Geerts ended up winning the race ahead of Tomac, Seewer, Evans and Prado who rounded out the top five.

Jago Geerts: “Yeah, for sure. I didn’t expect it. This morning, I was already feeling really good on the track, and I liked the 450, so it was already good this morning. I had a good start in the qualifying heat and managed to win, so I’m really happy with that. We have also qualified well with Team Belgium, so it will be fun tomorrow. I think if everything goes well, we can be on the podium. So that’s the goal, and we will do everything for that”.

Main Photo: Jago Geerts

Small photos: 1. MXGP Start 2. Eli Tomac

Qualifying Heat MXGP – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), 24:49.598; 2. Eli Tomac (USA, Yamaha), +0:03.478; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:04.209; 4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:16.694; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:17.469; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Yamaha), +0:31.722; 7. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:44.095; 8. Dean Wilson (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:50.440; 9. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:50.957; 10. Dylan Wright (CAN, Honda), +0:52.524;

In the MX2 qualifying, Team Spain’s Guillem Farres took the holeshot ahead of Team Netherland’s Kay de Wolf, though were both quickly passed by Team USA’s Justin Cooper who was on a mission to deliver a top result in front of the home crowd.

Cooper led as Team Australia’s Hunter Lawrence moved into second ahead of Team Italy’s Andrea Adamo, Team Chile’s Hardy Munoz, de Wolf and Team France’s Marvin Musquin.

Team Switzerland’s Valentin Guillod crashed and did not carry on with the race, which was a big blow for the team.

At the front of the field, Cooper led the way comfortably and was setting some fast laps as he extended his lead to 5.917 seconds ahead of Farres. Musquin then passed Adamo for fourth, as Lawrence got around Farres for second place on lap three.

Team Japan’s Jo Shimoda was having an unlucky qualifying race as he crashed early on in the heat, though was able to get his head down and get back to 12^th by the chequered flag.

In the closing stages, De Wolf and Adamo were having a nice battle for fifth, but this battle was cut short after a wheel problem for de Wolf that took him out of the race.

Cooper went on to win the heat comfortably ahead of Lawrence, Musquin, Farres and Adamo.

Justin Cooper: “That’s pretty much how it was for my seat also. It was nice with the fans. Honestly, I’ve never had that many people behind me, cheering me on throughout the whole track, that was something else and I’ve never experienced that, so it was kind of like an adrenaline rush the whole race. I was having a lot of fun out there and I almost wished it was longer. Now just need to bring the same energy tomorrow for the races and keep that intensity”.

Main Photo: Justin Cooper

Bottom Photos: 1. Hunter Lawrence 2. Marvin Musquin

Qualifying Heat MX2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), 24:54.959; 2. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:18.809; 3. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), +0:30.328; 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, Yamaha), +0:42.120; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GASGAS), +0:51.804; 6. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:52.922; 7. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:53.165; 8. Hardy Munoz (CHL, Husqvarna), +0:58.965; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, Kawasaki), +1:00.273; 10. Joshua Varize (GUM, KTM), +1:12.932;

The final heat of the day was the open qualifying race which saw Team Netherlands’ Calvin Vlaanderen take the holeshot ahead of Team France’s Dylan Ferrandis, Team Italy’s Mattia Guadagnini and Team Spain’s Ruben Fernandez. Several riders went down at the start which included Team Belgium’s Jeremy Van Horebeek.

Team USA’s Chase Sexton started fourth, with Team Australia’s Jett Lawrence further down in sixth on the opening lap, as Guadagnini crashed out of third.

Lawrence then battled closely with Fernandez, who was not looking to give up his position easily. The pair had a couple of close moments before Lawrence was able to get by on the second lap.

By that point, Sexton was third and eyeing up Ferrandis and Vlaanderen ahead. The American made some nice, fast, passes and was the new race leader by the end of the second lap. At the same time, Vlaanderen was also passed by Ferrandis and dropped back to third.

Sexton immediately set the fastest lap of the race, as he looked to break free of Ferrandis, while Lawrence passed Vlaanderen for third.

All eyes were on the leaders, who battled closely for the entire race as they kept the gap to just under two seconds. This was until Ferrandis caught his leg in his rear wheel and had to stop to get it out before continuing with the rest of the heat.

Sexton was able to pull away as a result and looked like he was on his way to Team USA’s second win of the day, but this was until he crashed on the final lap of the race, which easily allowed Ferrandis through.

Ferrandis was the qualifying race winner ahead of Sexton, Lawrence, Fernandez and Vlaanderen.

Dylan Ferrandis: “It was a very weird moment, it had never happened to me before. Before the finish jump, my leg went in the back of my bike and was stuck in the wheel, so my knee was completely stuck. I had to stop, push the bike in reverse and then get my leg free and go. I don’t know why this happened, but these sorts of things always happen at the Motocross of Nations… The expectations for tomorrow are very easy, we want to win and we will try everything to win. The battle has already started against Team USA and I think this will be really interesting. We will give everything, as everybody, but I think we have a strong team to do it”.

Main Photo: Dylan Ferrandis

Photos: 1. Chase Sexton 2. Jett Lawrence

Qualifying Heat Open – Top 10 Classification: 1. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Yamaha), 25:00.986; 2. Chase Sexton (USA, Honda), +0:03.502; 3. Jett Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:11.947; 4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:32.435; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:35.890; 6. Harri Kullas (EST, Yamaha), +0:54.772; 7. Fredrik Noren (SWE, KTM), +1:03.561; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, GASGAS), +1:09.312; 9. Lorenzo Locurcio (VEN, KTM), +1:14.933; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Honda), +1:18.959;

Nations Qualification – Top 10 Qualifiers: 1. USA 3pts, 2. France 4pts, 3. Australia 5pts, 4. Spain 8pts, 5. Belgium 8pts, 6. The Netherlands 11pts, 7. Italy 13 pts, 8. Switzerland 14pts, 9. Germany 18pts, 10. Great Britain 18pts.

MONSTER ENERGY FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS, REDBUD – QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1900m

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 22

Weather conditions: Cloudy

All the photos from the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

WEEKEND TIMETABLE (Local Time UTC-4)

SUNDAY: 08:45 B-Final Warm-up, 09:15 MXoN Group 1 Warm-up, 09:45 MXoN Group 2 Warm-up, 11:00 B-Final, 13:10 MXGP& MX2 (MXoN Race 1), 14:40 MX2 & Open (MXoN Race 2), 16:08 Open & MXGP (MXoN Race 3).

The 2022 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be available to view LIVE on www.MXGP-TV.com

The full qualifying starting grid is as follows:

1. Morocco

2. Switzerland

3. Latvia

4. the Netherlands

5. Estonia

6. Italy

7. Canada

8. Ecuador

9. Sweden

10. Israel

11. Belgium

12. Germany

13. FIM Europe

14. Chile

15. USA

16. Norway

17. Great Britain

18. the Philippines

19. Spain

20. Finland

21. Brazil

22. Lithuania

23. Australia

24. Japan

25. Mexico

26. Ireland

27. Venezuela

28. Guam

29. FIM Latin America

30. France

31. South Africa

32. Iceland

33. New Zealand

34. Honduras

Since the success of the 2018 Monster Energy FIM MXoN, everyone has been eager to see the event return to ‘America’s Motocross Track’, where home fans hope to see their local heroes Team USA back on the top step after an 11-year drought.

This will be the second time that RedBud will host the biggest motocross event of the season, and the fifth in total in the United States. The US first hosted the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in 1987 at Unadilla with Bob Hannah, Rick Johnson and Jeff Ward contributing to USA’s 13-year winning streak that ran between 1981 and 1993.

Team USA is of course one of the favourites heading into this weekend. Having won a total of 22 times, more than any other nation, the Americans are looking to get back on top after not winning a single event since their last victory in 2011 at Saint Jean d’Angely. This year the team consists of Eli Tomac, Justin Cooper and Chase Sexton, with Sexton making his very first Monster Energy FIM MXoN appearance.

There is no doubt the trio will feel some kind of pressure, since the only time the US team was ever beaten on home soil was in RedBud 2018, but with the support of the home crowd and a very strong line-up, we could see the Americans back on top!

Photos: 1. Team USA wins in 2011 2. Team France wins in 2018

Meanwhile, Team France will be looking to repeat their success from 2018, when the nation scored their fifth consecutive victory with Gautier Paulin, Jordi Tixier and Dylan Ferrandis. Of course, Dylan Ferrandis will be back on the team this time around alongside Maxime Renaux and Marvin Musquin, with the trio a real threat for the Chamberlain Trophy once again.

Team Australia’s Mitch Evans, Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence are another big threat for the top spot this year with a very strong team line-up. With Evans strong in MXGP and the Lawrence brothers shaking things up in the American series’ – this trio is one that could gift Australia their very first victory at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Team Great Britain is also a team to look out for with Dean Wilson, Max Anstie and Tommy Searle representing the Union Jack in the USA. The British squad has some history too, having won the event 16 times and is second in terms of the most wins as a nation. Wilson, Anstie and Searle are also the trio that began Team GB’s podium streak in 2017 at Matterley Basin where they finished third and since then, the squad has placed third for the last four events consecutively and will be looking to end their weekend with another medal to make it five!

Team Italy with Antonio Cairoli, Andrea Adamo and Mattia Guadagnini are the defending champions this year after their victory on home soil last year in Mantova. Having tasted victory last year, the motivation will be high.

Photos: 1. Team Italy wins in 2021 2. Glenn Coldenhoff dominates in RedBud 2018

Though Team Netherlands will also arrive hungry for the win after losing the title last year by just a single point to the Italian team. The team made up of Glenn Coldenhoff, Kay de Wolf and Calvin Vlaanderen will aim to clinch the nation’s second title, since their first win in Assen of 2019, a team that both Coldenhoff and Vlaanderen were a part of. Vlaanderen will also be looking to put the heartbreak of his time in RedBud last time around, behind him and focus on bringing home a solid result, while Coldenhoff will be looking to dominate just like he did in 2018 when he went 1-1 in his heats.

Also, Team Spain with Jorge Prado, Guillem Farres and Ruben Fernandez is a strong team who is likely to score top positions, along with Team Belgium with Jago Geerts, Liam Everts and Jeremy Van Horebeek, as Everts is set to make his debut for the Belgian squad, while Van Horebeek is set to make his 11^th event representing his home country, which will also be the final time for the Belgian who announced his retirement.

Team Japan’s, Yuki Okura, Jo Shimoda and Kota Toriyabe are another trio to look out for this year, as well as Team South Africa’s Tristan Purdon, Camden Mc Lellan and Cameron Anthony Durrow.

This Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be full of big milestones as we celebrate the 75^th edition of the event that began in 1947. This year, Team Estonia’s Tanel Leok will compete at his 20^th Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations while for Team Germany’s Max Nagl this will be his 17^th appearance, as Team Ireland’s Martin Barr will represent his nation for the 16^th time. Others celebrating big milestones include Antonio Cairoli who will make it his 15^th appearance, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Team GB’s Tommy Searle will line up for the 12^th time, as well as Glenn Coldenhoff and Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer who will ride for their country for the 11^th and 10^th time!

A total of 34 teams, including special teams from FIM Europe and FIM Latin America, will participate in the 75th edition of the event with the action promising to be bigger and better than ever with a very competitive line-up that makes the podium hard to predict!

View the official entry list HERE!

Don’t miss the action, you can still purchase tickets HERE or if you cannot make it for the races, LIVE coverage of the action will be available on www.MXGP-TV.com  throughout the three days of action!

WEEKEND TIMETABLE (Local Time UTC-4)

FRIDAY: 11:00 Opening Press Conference, 12:00 Ballot, 14:00 Teams Press Conference, 15:30 Infront Moto Racing Special Announcement, 16:30 Teams Presentation to the crowd

SATURDAY: 10:00 MXGP Free Practice, 11:00 MX2 Free Practice, 12:00 Open Free Practice, 14:30 MXGP Qualifying Heat, 15:30 MX2 Qualifying Heat, 16:30 Open Qualifying Heat, 20:30 Pitbike of Nations.

SUNDAY: 08:45 B-Final Warm-up, 09:15 MXoN Group 1 Warm-up, 09:45 MXoN Group 2 Warm-up, 11:00 B-Final, 13:10 MXGP& MX2 (MXoN Race 1), 14:40 MX2 & Open (MXoN Race 2), 16:08 Open & MXGP (MXoN Race 3).