Motocross of Nations: Does anyone stand a chance of beating the Americans?

[Onkel Neal]

Well, I don't think so, but if anyone can, it's the Aussies. With both Reed and Byrne on Suzukis, they have to be the strongest contenders.

Italy? Yeah, maybe so.

http://www.mxnations2009.com/nations.html

Oct 3, 4, 2009

A record breaking entry list of 108 riders from 36 teams have signed up to do battle in the 2009 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations in Franciacorta, Italy, on October 3-4.

Leading the list will be defending champions the USA, whose weaker than usual line-up of Ryan Dungey, Jake Weimer and Ivan Tedesco means the European teams - led by home nation Italy and new MX1 world champion Antonio Cairoli - have a real chance of success.

Other world champions confirmed include Ramon (Belgium), Philippaerts (Italy), Reed (Australia) and Rattray (South Africa), plus young guns such as Musquin and Paulin (France), Roelants and Desalle (Belgium), Tonus (Switzerland) and Karro (Latvia).

Two of the youngest riders will be 15 year old sensations Roczen (Germany) and Herlings (Netherlands) - the latter will only turn 15 on September 12.