The Honda World Motocross team is heading to its final event of 2013 in Teutchenthal, Germany for the Motocross of Nations with riders Max Nagl and Evgeny Bobryshev, who are looking for good results whilst representing their respective countries.
This special event is described as the Olympics of motocross and with home hero Nagl heading up the German team with the number one plate attached to his Dunlop-shod factory CRF450R, it will be a particularly special event for the 26-year-old racer.
It won’t be an easy race this year for Nagl, who is contesting the MX1 class, as he’s missed a number of Grand Prix events in the final part of the World Championship season due to sickness, and is also carrying an injury sustained while racing last weekend. However, the Honda pilot remains optimistic of what he can achieve, so he is looking forward to this weekend’s race, as his team won the Nations last year and he is racing in front of what is expected to be an exuberant and motivating home crowd.
Evgeny Bobryshev will head the Russian squad in the MX1 class alongside GP regular and fellow Honda pilot Aleksandr Tonkov, who rides for the ESTA Motorsports Honda team in the MX2 category, and he too is excited to race this weekend. Bobryshev is fresh from winning the Dutch Championship, and has been working hard on improving his hardpack speed in preparation for racing at the track he won his first Grand Prix at with a double-moto victory in 2011.
The sweeping, natural circuit is set on a hillside with great viewing for spectators of the hard ground with big jumps, and this layout is suited to Bobryshev’s style. With a good weather prediction for the weekend the Honda racer is certainly hoping to improve his Nations number of 31 higher up the order for next year.
This event, which has seen the world’s very best come together and represent their countries in teams since 1947, is arguably one of the most talked about races on the calendar, with riders showcasing their special liveries and battling it out for the ultimate reward of the Chamberlain trophy. It is also the only race where crowds can see the very best riders from around the world battle it out against the stars in Europe, and the speculation is usually high going into the weekend. The most successful team to date is Team USA followed by Team Great Britain and Team Belgium during the 66 years it has taken place.
Max Nagl #1:
“Following my time off resting I started with some more intense training after Lierop. I did a German race the weekend after that GP, in which I won both heats; the riding went well and I was feeling happy about it. We did a press day in Teutschenthal for the Nations, and it was fun, then I won again at a German race last weekend. Unfortunately I twisted my right ankle during that event and I’ve broken a ligament, as well as the cartilage. I’ve been with Ortema and they’ve made me a brace for walking and riding, which has been really helpful. My foot was swollen and painful, but every day it’s improved considerably, so I hope I can race like normal. I am disappointed something else has happened after such a difficult year, and I will be happy when the season is done, but I will try my best for the weekend; the fans will be great with so many people here to cheer on the German team. I arrived today, and we already have unbelievable support; it’s really nice, although quite busy. I’m going to enjoy it with the fans cheering for us and with having the number one plate on the Honda, which is cool. It’s a really special event, so I hope we can do a good job.”
Evgeny Bobryshev #31:
“After Lierop I continued working, but on the hard ground in preparation for Teutschenthal. I have a good memory at that track from 2011, as I won my first GP there, and I’ve been training intensely to get back all of my skills, while switching back to the hard ground. I feel ready for the battle and to do this race, which is special for everyone. I really enjoy the event, as the pressure is off a little bit with it not being a GP, although it’s still important to do my best for my country. People say it’s the Olympics of motocross, and we have a good team, so the goal is to improve on last year’s result. It is always interesting to see everyone in their special gear, and also with the best riders from around the world taking part. There will be a lot of spectators and I really can’t wait.”