The 69th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations has already taken center stage and judging by the liveliness in and around the paddock, it is bound to live up to the great expectation laid upon it.
Earlier this evening Youthstream President, Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe President, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director, Mr. Tony Skillington and President of Motoclub Ernée Mr. Philippe Lecompte welcomed everyone to the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations here in Ernee, France. Mr. Luongo opened the press conference expressing his gratitude to the motoclub Ernee saying “since the great success of the motocross of nations in 2005 you can see that the organizer has done a fantastic job at improving everything here in Ernee. It is incredible.”
“You can see the investment Youthstream has made, the organizer has made and the French federation too. You can see how far the industry has come, there are so many different hospitality units, the atmosphere is incredible, you can tell it will be very full and I think it will be a great event.” Mr. Philippe Lecompte followed in saying “we have worked very hard on this event for the last 1.5 years, I want to thank the volunteers, there is around 1200 of them and they have done a great job. We have made some changes to the track and had good feedback from the riders and this is something we are very proud of”
Mr. Lecompte wrapped up his speech in thanking Youthstream and everyone involved. On behalf of the FIM Mr. Tony Skillington and Dr. Wolfgang Srb shared their enthusiasm and expressed how proud they are of how far our sport has come. They also shared their excitement for what is sure to be a great weekend of racing.
Nine of the thirty-six nations entered also joined the press conference. The defending champions Team France with Gautier Paulin #1 Marvin Musquin #2 & Romain Febvre #3 were the first to take to the stage. An excited Paulin said “last year was the perfect year for the French team, especially myself because I won all the races. This year we have a strong team and I know the public will be amazing.” Musquin said “I am really looking forward to be part of the team after my best season in the US.” Febvre, the FIM Motocross MXGP World Champion, will wear a Team France jersey for the first time in his career, “It’s my first one and I am very excited. I don’t know what to expect here at the motocross of nations, but for sure the goal is to win some motos if possible.”
The vice MXoN champions Team Belgium were next where the captain Jeremy Van Horebeek #6, who is making his seventh MXoN appearance and has never finished off of the podium said “we are the underdogs but our team, Ken De Dycker #4 and Julien Lieber #5, is still as strong as the original selection and I am confident we will do well.”
Looking to reclaim the Chamberlain Cup just as they did here at Ernee in 2005, Team USA, Justin Barcia #7, Jeremy Martin #8 and Cooper Webb #9, were confident with their manager Roger De Coster saying “we didn’t come all this way to follow.”
The team famous for their string of fourths, Team Great Britain, Shaun Simpson #10, Max Anstie #11 and Dean Wilson #12, were extremely enthusiastic about the track and are confident they have a team strong enough to get on the box, meanwhile Team Germany, Max Nagl #13, Henry Jacobi #14 and Dennis Ullrich #15 said they are aiming for a top 10 finish.
Team Italy, Ivo Monticelli #16, Michele Cervellin #17 and Samuele Bernardini #18, Team Switzerland, Valentin Guillod #19, Jeremy Seewer #20 and Andy Baumgartner #21, and Team Russia, Evgeny Bobryshev #22, Ivan Baranov #23 and Maksim Nazarov #24, were also presented with Team Estonia Priit Ratsep #25, Harri Kullas #26 and Tanel Leok #27 bringing the presentation to a close. Leok has the record for the most MXoN appearances with this weekend being the fifteenth consecutive time he will represent Estonia at the motocross of nations.
Putting a wrap on an ambient day, Monster Energy hosted a super fun pit bike race on the start straight where all the journalists and photographers covering this incredible event could bash some bars and get their adrenalin pumping ready for the most epic weekend of the year.