his year’s Team USA roster for Motocross des Nations really puts the “blue” in “red, white and blue.” America will be represented by an all-Yamaha squad that features Justin Barcia, Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb.
The official announcement came just before the start of Saturday’s Red Bull Unadilla National.
Meet this year’s roster: Webb, Martin, Barcia and team manger Roger DeCoster. (Photo: Matt Rice)
Selected as the team captain, Barcia is the MX1 pick. His standout season has included two overall wins, three moto wins, numerous podium appearances and a streak of seven consecutive holeshots on his JGR Yamaha, as he emerged as one of the most consistent riders in the 450 Class midway through the season. He previously raced for Team USA in 2012 and 2013.
“To be the team leader, I didn’t think I would be saying that this year,” Barcia said. “For me it’s an honor to go represent the USA, and it’s very special. I think we’re going with a very strong team – Jeremy’s great, Cooper’s really good right now. Our bikes are definitely strong – they’re rocket ships.”
MX1: Justin Barcia. (Photo: Matt Rice)
Martin, the defending champion of the 250 Class and the current points leader, will ride MX2. So far this season, the Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha rider has collected eight moto wins and four overall victories. Martin is returning to Team USA for a second consecutive year, and he’s anxious to avenge last year’s defeat.
“I’m excited for des Nations,” Martin said. “Obviously last year I struggled, breaking my foot, so I’m definitely pissed off about that. I’m ready to go back over there and try to bring it home for America. A good career is ten years, and if I can be there and grind it out for ten years and have an opportunity to represent America, that’s awesome. I want to make America proud.”
MX2: Jeremy Martin. (Photo: Chris Ortiz)
The team is rounded out by Webb, who will be riding a 450 in the Open Class in his first MXoN appearance. Although he has been limited this season due to an ankle injury, Webb has been strong since returning, earning two overall victories in the 250 Class. Although he has never raced a 450 in Lucas OIl Pro Motocross, he did gain experience riding the bigger bike in select events last offseason.
Red Bull KTM’s Roger DeCoster will reprise his role as team manager.
Open: Cooper Webb. (Photo: Chris Ortiz)
One name noticeably absent from the roster is Ryan Dungey, who has been a fixture on the team for the last several years. Dungey revealed that he is looking to take some time off to get away from the grind and come into next season rested and healthy. Still, he looks forward to watching his counterparts compete overseas.
“I wish the guys the best,” Dungey said. “I want to see them take it home. The last three years have been hard to stand on the third or the second step. It’s nice to stand on top. They’ve got a good team – those Yamahas are pretty strong out of the gate.”
This year’s Motocross des Nations will take place September 26-27 in Ernée, France. Last year’s event was won by Team France, with the USA squad of Dungey, Martin and Tomac earning third place.