Following the press conference here at MXGP of Finland, the team which has been selected to represent Italy at the 2014 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Kegums, Latvia was announced.
Mr. Thomas Traversini, Italy’s Team Manager, revealed the team will consist of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, DP19 Yamaha Racing’s David Philippaerts and TM Ricci Racing’s Davide Guarneri. Cairoli will be competing on a KTM250SX-F as the MX2 rider while Guarneri and Philippaerts will remain on their 450’s as the Open and MXGP class contenders.
Mr. Traversini said “It is like a present for Team Italy for Antonio to sacrifice himself and go back to a 250 bike so the team has the best chance at a good result”.
Cairoli said “It has been almost seven years since I rode a MX2 bike but for the last two years I have won at the motocross of nations so I am happy with what I have achieved and I want Italy to achieve the best position we can. I don’t think it could be any other way, I am the smallest and the lightest and I think going from a 350 to a 250 is not such a big step. I know it won’t be easy, I don’t expect a lot but I will do my best.”