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.

[Onkel Neal]

Answer: No!

USA! for the win

America has once again claimed the top spot at the world's biggest motocross race, winning one of the most competitive Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations in history.

Hopes for another AMA Team USA win at the Motocross of Nations, held this year in Franciacorta, Italy, were slim heading into the last moto. The U.S. squad of Ryan Dungey, Ivan Tedesco and Jake Weimer was third in team points heading into the final race, but an inspired performance -- and a little luck -- put them firmly in the lead when the dust settled.

"With its win at the 2009 Motocross of Nations, AMA Team USA has once again raised the bar for motocross excellence," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Led by team manager and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster, the trio of Ryan Dungey, Ivan Tedesco and Jake Weimer demonstrated that despite being down, they weren't out, gave it their all in the final moto and brought the Chamberlain Trophy back to AMA headquarters here in the United States. We congratulate the riders and support crew for another job well done."

AMA Team USA has now won the Motocross of Nations an unprecedented 20 times.

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1387

[Reaves]

Australia is pretty damned good in MotorCross. Perhaps our riders are too busy with the Crusty Demons to participate....