MXGP

ASSEN (Netherlands) 27 September 2019 – The world’s most exciting motocross racing event of the year has officially kicked off at the legendary Assen TT circuit. This weekend the tarmac has once again been transformed into a deep sand motocross track that will test riders from all over the world. 

The event has made its way back to Europe in the Netherlands, a country where the original event began back in 1947, although this will be the first time that Assen are officially hosting the prestigious event at the TT circuit, with the Motoclub Assen having previously organised the 1954 MXoN in Drenthe. 

34 countries in total are competing at this year’s event, so the contest to make it into the Sunday’s event will be fierce, as only 20 countries will be lining up for the main races of the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. 

Friday’s activities officially kicked off with the official opening press conference with Youthstream CEO David Luongo, FIM/CM Director Antonio Alia Portela and the 2019 Monster Energy FIM MXoN of Assen Organizer Lee Van Dam, sharing some words about this weekend’s events. 

Youthstream CEO David Luongo:  “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very proud to be here in Assen to host the Monster Energy FIM MXoN for the very first time. We have a great event in front of us full of activities. As every year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is the biggest off-road event of the year. It’s also the most unpredictable event of the season, always with a lot of surprises and a lot of passion from the fans, it’s the event that nobody wants to miss. So, I’m sure that this year like in the past it will be very exciting and I wish all of you to enjoy this weekend and have great racing”. 

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela: “Assen’s sandy TT-Circuit is an awesome venue to hold the Monster Energy FIM MXoN event and when the grandstands are crowded with people from around the globe, those who are watching us from their favourite places at home I am sure they would wish they were here with us breathing the special atmosphere that can be lived here at the Nations”. 

2019 Monster Energy FIM MXoN of Assen Organizer Lee Van Dam: “We are very honoured to be the host of the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. We are Dutch, so we hope that Patrice (Team Manager Team Netherlands) and his team will do the work: for the first time in history we hope that the Dutch team can be champions of this event. Thank you very much and we wish you a very good weekend and you enjoy the racing”. 

Main Photo: from left to right: Lee Van Dam, David Luongo, Antonio Alia Portela

Bottom Photos: 1. Team France; 2. Team USA

Following an introduction from the officials, it was then time for teams France, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia, USA, Belgium, Spain and Italy to share their expectations for this weekend, concluding the press conferences for today.

Gautier Paulin of Team France will be running the number 1 plate at his 11^th consecutive MXoN, speaking about this weekend’s event he said: “I’m really looking forward to it, we have a really good team and a nice track. There’s actually a lot of changes to the track, the track is much faster and more fun I think to ride and also looking really good for the public”. 

“It’s an exciting race. Anything can happen, we see also last year in Red Bud. We know it’s going to be a tough track, so we’ll have a lot of fun” he added. 

Team Netherlands are among the favourites to win this year, with the event being held in their home country, and speaking about the pressure to win, Netherlands’ Team Manager, Patrice Assendelft said: “This event is very special for us. In our own country a lot of spectators expect it and of course we want to win it.”

“The first time the motocross of nations ever was held in 1947 also in the Netherlands and now so many years later we’ve never won it. 3 times second in a row, which is a good achievement and last year I think we became second because of the bad luck, I think that we did have the best team.” He added. “But every year is a year and of course we are the favourites but at the end of the Sunday we will know how everything went so this is a very special weekend and anything can happen, so just wait for it.” 

Also hoping to win the Chamberlain trophy this year are Zach Osborne, Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper of USA. Speaking about their expectations, Osborne said: “We would like to be on the podium and if things go our way, we feel that we have a chance to win. We’ve seen in the past years where it’s not always the fastest team that wins, it’s just the best team and it’s hard to accept that as a racer in this sport often, that it is for a team and not for the individual; you’re not out there to win for yourself, it’s about as selfless as you can be as a motocross racer this race because of the team aspect of it”.

Then it was time to introduce this year’s teams to the eager fans, who lined the start line to see 34 countries present their 3 riders to represent them at the 73^rd Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. 

Starting with the 34^th team, Poland and wrapping up the presentation with defending champions, France and ending with a bang as Team Netherlands sent the crowd wild in anticipation for Saturday and Sunday’s racing. 

Up photos: Team Netherlands

Bottom Photos: 1. Team Great Britain; 2. Team Italy

Making a return, for the second year in the row since being introduced last year at the USA Monster Energy FIM MXoN was the second annual Pit Bike of Nations, where we saw mechanics, riders, journalists and the public represent their country in a battle for victory. This year Fox and Monster Energy joined as partners for the event, with the winning team receiving a specially designed Fox helmet. Yamaha were also onsite to provide the riders with the bikes for the racing. 

The race was not short of action and excitement as each rider battled through the specially built track for the occasion. Team Italy took the win with USA taking the stand in second and third on the podium was Sweden.

The evening was finished off with the ballot to determine the starting grid for tomorrow’s racing, with Poland with the first gate pick and Lithuania and Puerto Rico lining up second and third, for the qualifying heats. 

1. Pit bike of Nations start; 2. Pit Bike of Nations Podium

Today’s events, including the press conferences, the team presentation and the Pit Bike of Nations were LIVE streamed on MXGP’s Facebook page, while the racing this weekend, including the Yamaha bLU cRU races, will be available LIVE on MXGP-TV.com. 

TIMETABLE 

Saturday: Free practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:00; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 08:15; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 08:30; Time practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:45; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 09:10; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 09:35; Free Practice MXGP 10:00; Free practice MX2 10:50; Free Practice Open 11:40; Race bLU cRU YZ65 13:10; Race bLU cRU YZ85 13:45; Qualifying Heat MXGP 14:30; Qualifying Heat MX2 15:30; Qualifying Heat Open 16:30.

Sunday: Warm-up B-Final 8:35; Race bLU cRU YZ125 09:20; Warm-up MXoN Group 1 10:00; Warm-up MXoN Group 2 10:20; B-Final 10:50; MXoN Race 1 (MXGP+MX2) 13:10; MXoN Race 2 (MX2+Open) 14:40; MXoN Race 3 (Open+MXGP) 16:08.

Links:

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Assen

Today at the Media center of Assen, Dunlop has introduced to the media present on stage Geomax MX53, replacing the MX52 hard-terrain motocross tyre. The MX53 will give riders class-leading performance on a wider range of terrain than its predecessor. The tyre sits between the ‘super-hard’ terrain MX71 and the highly versatile MX33 in Dunlop’s wide Geomax portfolio.

On stage launching the new tyres were Dunlop Geomax MX53 is available in 6 front sizes and 11 rear sizes, Dunlop Press Officer James Baley and former Champions Eddy Seel and Broc Glover. 

Race winning pedigree

This year has been an incredibly successful season for Dunlop Geomax riders. Cooper Webb (KTM) won the AMA Supercross title in a championship where every 2019 race winner chose Dunlop. Also in North America, Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) matched this feat in the Pro Motocross Championship. In the FIM World MXGP Championships, five of the last nine motos have been won by Dunlop riders, with KTM riders Max Anstie and Glenn Coldenhoff showing scorching form in the closing stages of the season. In the Women’s World Championship, Courtney Duncan dominated on her Kawasaki with Amandine Verstappen also winning the Dutch GP for Yamaha. 

“This range of success shows how the Dunlop Geomax range can complement a wide range of different bikes. We are proud that many of these successes were with the standard ‘off the shelf’ Geomax MX33 and this is a tradition we aim to continue with MX53 on the hard-packed circuits. The MX53 development tyres were tuned and proven in these top-level battles during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.” said c, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe.

The Dunlop Geomax MX53 features a range of new technologies with the goal of delivering winning performance on a wide range of terrain. 

Increased shock absorption & lighter weight: All new construction

The construction of the tyre casing features Dunlop’s Advanced Apex Design. This was one of the secrets to the MX33 success and delivers superior shock absorption, uniform rigidity in the sidewall, and a smoother ride with a firmer feel. Critically, it delivers this without adding weight.

Traction, durability and confidence: Revolutionary tread design 

Dunlop’s testing has shown a step forward on the MX52 performance on hard terrain, but even greater gains on intermediate surfaces. This is in part due to the all-new tread design. 

On the front tyre, a horseshoe-shaped pattern provides enhanced braking as the claw-like blocks dig into harder terrain. The blocks are 1mm higher than on its predecessor. This would normally affect stability, but Dunlop has added tie bars between the blocks to provide consistent performance and improve durability. 

The rear tyre has distinctive staggered paired blocks. This provides traction and improved acceleration - vital for winning the holeshot! The block spacing has been optimised to ensure grip on softer terrain whilst maintaining the performance on firmer, hard-packed surfaces. Luca stated: “This target of more versatile performance is a consistent theme with MX53. We know that conditions can change from lap to lap and even from corner to corner, so we’ve built on our winning MX33 philosophy of providing a wide window of top-level performance.” 

For increased rider confidence at all lean angles, Dunlop's patented Progressive Cornering Block technology allows each block to flex. This gives more biting edges under heavy cornering loads. 

New compound - strength and durability

Dunlop’s work on increasing the versatility of MX53 also meant a completely different compound to the MX52 was developed. The advanced compound mix has a high number of molecular polymer particles, resulting in higher strength, meaning more durability by increasing the shear resistance.

Geomax range: more complete than ever

“We can be really proud of all the work and joint development with winning teams and riders from all over the world to create such an amazing product and line-up. Our ultimate objective is to deliver the best tyres for riders who share our passion for motocross and our constant search for improvement. With the addition of the MX53, our Geomax range is now more complete than ever” added Luca.

Dunlop Geomax MX53 is available in 6 front sizes and 11 rear sizes.

The balloting for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations took place this evening, here in Assen to determine the gate line-up for tomorrow’s qualifying heats. Poland will have the first gate pick, while Lithuania and Puerto Rico will line up second and third while defending champions 'Team France' is going to pick gate number 29

This weekend’s race action will be streamed LIVE on MXGP-TV.com, alongside the additional Yamaha bLU cRU 65, 85 and 125 races. 

Here are the full balloting results:

1. Poland

2. Lithuania 

3. Puerto Rico

4. Norway

5. Spain

6. Denmark

7. Iceland

8. Belgium

9. New Zealand

10. Latvia

11. Slovenia

12. Croatia

13. Australia 

14. Greece

15. Brazil

16. Switzerland 

17. Estonia

18. Japan

19. Italy

20. Sweden

21. South Africa

22. Portugal

23. Ukraine 

24. Luxemburg 

25. Ireland

26. Germany

27. Netherlands

28. Cyprus

29. France

30. Czech Republic

31. USA

32. Austria

33. Great Britain

34. Russia

After a thrilling season of national level racing, 100 of Europe's top performing YZ 125cc, 85cc and 65cc riders are about to embark on the biggest race of their fledgeling careers. Coming from 23 different nations, the promising young riders that have made the cut are heading straight for the 2019 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale which will take place this weekend at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Assen, The Netherlands.

For the first time ever, the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup has been split into three classes, YZ125, YZ85 and YZ65. This year marks the fourth edition for the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup and it will see 34 riders' line up for the SuperFinale in Assen this weekend, while the inaugural editions of the YZ85 and YZ65 bLU cRUFIM Europe Cup's will see a  whopping 37 riders line up in the YZ65 class, and 29 in the YZ85 class. 

Each SuperFinale class will have two practice sessions and one race. The top three finishers in each race and two promising wildcard riders will move on to take part in a unique Yamaha bLU cRU Masterclass, which will take place under the guidance and supervision of the bLU cRU Ambassadors, Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin later this year. From this, one lucky rider will win the ultimate prize where he or she will be picked to receive support in their quests to contest the European Championship. 

For the winner of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, he or she will join the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team, while the EMX85 and EMX65 riders will receive support for Yamaha Motor Europe for their 2020 seasons.

The YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale is all about giving talented youngsters an opportunity to take a small step towards an eventual career in Grand Prix racing. It is designed to work as a bridge between national and international level racing by offering kids a chance to race alongside their heroes at the biggest and most watched event of the season. This years' YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale will be free to view LIVE on www.MXGP-TV.com. Gates will drop for the YZ65 race on Saturday 28thSeptember at 13:10, followed by the YZ85 race at 13:40. Gates will drop for the YZ125 race on Sunday 29thSeptember at 09:10. All times are local, Central European Summer Time (CEST).

ASSEN (Netherlands), 26 September 2019 – The time has come for the 73^rd edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations and this year, the event heads back to Europe as the sandy track of Assen, hosts it for the very first time. 

Despite several podium finishes in the past, The Netherlands have never won the Chamberlain trophy, but this could change this weekend, as the team line-up is looking strong, made up of the multi-time World Champion, Jeffrey Herlings, last year’s OPEN winner, Glenn Coldenhoff and Calvin Vlaanderen. Or could this be the weekend that Team USA make a comeback to the top step of the podium for the first time since 2011.

TV coverage from the Dutch circuit will be broadcasted to Youthstream’s traditional TV partners including the Netherland’s NOS, who cover the entire season live. In addition, all the action from the weekend will also be available on RTL as they deliver a special program for this year’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. 

Also, onsite providing news coverage will be, several national channels such as Omroep Brabant, RTV Drenthe, SBS Hart von Nederland and Dagblad von Het Noorder.

The entire event, including Saturday’s Qualifying races and the additional Yamaha bLU cRU 65cc, 85cc and 125cc races will be streamed LIVE worldwide from Assen on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com.

In addition LIVE this weekend on the MXGP Facebook Page will be the Opening Press conference including the official teams presentation to the media, Teams Presentation to the crowd, the newly added pit bike of Nations race where the MXGP paddock will battle for pride and glory before the weekends' MXoN actions and the Balloting to determine each team’s starting position for the qualifying races. 

To find out when and where to watch in your home country check the listings below. 

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 12:00 pm ET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 13:00 pm ET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 14:00 pm ET Delayed 

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 19:15 CET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 19:45 CET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 20:15 CET Delayed 

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV Play Sports + 

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 29 September – 20mn Highlights

BULGARIA

BNT

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

DENMARK

DR3

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

FRANCE

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:30 CET Delayed

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 19:15 CET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 19:45 CET Delayed 

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 20:15 CET Delayed 

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE  

Monday 30 September – Race 1 – 20:00 CET Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 2 – 21:00 CET Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 3 – 22:00 CET Delayed 

ITALY

RAI SPORT 

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

RAI SPORT WEB

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live streaming 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live streaming

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live streaming

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live streaming 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live streaming

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live 

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 16:00 CET Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 13:00 CET Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 14:30 CET Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 – 1 6:00 CET Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS 2 SEA (Cambodia, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Hong Kong,  Thailand, Vietnam)

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 – 19:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 – 20:30 HKT – Live

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 – 22:00 HKT – Live

FOX SPORT INDONESIA 

Monday 30 September – Race 1 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 30 September – Race 2 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 3 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORT SEA

Monday 30 September – Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 2 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 3 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORT 3 SEA 

Monday 30 September – Race 1 – 19:00 HKT – Live

Monday 30 September – Race 2 – 20:30 HKT – Live

Monday 30 September – Race 3 – 22:00 HKT – Live

FOX SPORT CHINA

Monday 30 September – Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 2 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed 

Monday 30 September – Race 3 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

BRAZIL 

Bandsports

Sunday 29 September – Race 1 - 08:00 Brazil timing Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 2 - 08:30 Brazil timing Live 

Sunday 29 September – Race 3 - 11:00 Brazil timing Live

As always fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or MXGP-TV on the Tuesday after each event.

26mn “Behind the gate” partners: 

USA – Canada: Motortrend // MAV TV 

Europe: Motorsport TV – Motortrend 

Croatia: Kreator TV 

Finland: MTV 

France: Automoto la Chaine 

Italy: Automototv 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Netherland: RTL 

Slovenia: Sport TV 

Spain: Movistar 

Latin America: FOX Sports

Brazil: Bandsports

Caribbean: Flow Sports 

Asia: FOX Sports 

Africa: Sport connect

Don’t miss any motocross action from the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations! Sign up to www.mxgp-tv.com today: 

TIMETABLE 

Friday: MXoN Teams Presentation to the Crowd 17:00; Pit Bike of Nations 18:15; Briefing with Team Managers and Ballot 19:15. 

Saturday: Free practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:00; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 08:15; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 08:30; Time practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:45; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 09:10; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 09:35; Free Practice MXGP 10:00; Free practice MX2 10:50; Free Practice Open 11:40; Race bLU cRU YZ65 13:10; Race bLU cRU YZ85 13:45; Qualifying Heat MXGP 14:30; Qualifying Heat MX2 15:30; Qualifying Heat Open 16:30

Sunday: Warm-up B-Final 8:35; Race bLU cRU YZ125 09:20; Warm-up MXoN Group 1 10:00; Warm-up MXoN Group 2 10:20; B-Final 10:50; MXoN Race 1 (MXGP+MX2) 13:10; MXoN Race 2 (MX2+Open) 14:40; MXoN Race 3 (Open+MXGP) 16:08.

Links:

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Assen

Rene Hofer will join Red Bull KTM as a full-time Grand Prix rider in 2020. The 17 year old impressed with three wild-card MX2 appearances in 2019 in what was his first full year of competition with the KTM 250 SX-F. The Austrian will give KTM factory presence in the MX2 class alongside Tom Vialle next season with double world champion Jorge Prado joining the MXGP category with Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings.

The teenager (who will turn 18 in the first days of 2020) is a former FIM Junior and European Champion and has risen through the ranks. He won EMX125 European Championship races in 2018 and was a contender for the title until a mid-season injury. Hofer claimed a podium finish and classified fourth in the EMX250 standings at his first attempt with the KTM 250 SX-F in 2019.

The rider from Linz joined the Grand Prix team for three appearances this summer; taking his first FIM world championship points in the Czech Republic and then scoring 7th place overall at the Grand Prix of Italy at Imola. This weekend he will represent Team Austria as one of the three best racers from his country for the 73rd Motocross of Nations at the TT Circuit Assen.

Hofer will be the first Austrian to represent the modern incarnation of Red Bull KTM, the first in MX2 and the third native in the factory team after Heinz Kinigadner and current VP of Offroad Robert Jonas.

Rene Hofer: “I’m super-excited. We’ve really worked for this over the last couple of years and my dreams are coming true right now. We were not sure if it would happen for 2020 but I showed some good speed in the second half of the season and also that I could compete in good positions in MX2. I felt confident in the class from the very first time, even if the weekend routine is pretty different from EMX. I’m so grateful to be able to have the chance to ride for the most successful team in the GP paddock and to have the best racing people around me as well as being able to learn from Tom. I’ve trained with him a few times now and he’s a really nice guy. He had an unbelievable rookie season and I think we can put in some solid preparation work over the winter to be ready for 2020. I turn 18 next year and I know I am ready for this step. For sure the result in Imola was very good but I will be hungry for more and I will bring in the very best effort from my side. I cannot forget to thank all the people who have helped me reach this stage of my career and who have helped shape me as a rider and as a human. I cannot wait to start work for 2020 but first I need to focus on this weekend!”

Robert Jonas, VP of Offroad: “Rene has quickly moved up through the levels of the sport and he made sure that it was hard to ignore his progress in 2019 and his first with the 250 SX-F. After two seasons in the 125s and just one in EMX250 he was already pushing for a Grand Prix opportunity and showed us what he can do. We really like the mentality and the determination of this kid and we’re proud to be able to bring another rookie into our factory team for 2020. He’s Austrian and some might think this would be an advantage but it also comes with pressure, and we wanted to make sure that Rene would be able to handle this chance. I can remember this situation from my own experience and we have no doubts about Rene. 2020 will be a learning year but, together with Tom, it means we have exciting and youthful talent behind an amazing strong MXGP line-up.”

ASSEN (The Netherlands) 25 September 2019 – The 73^rd edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations returns home this weekend as the biggest motocross race in the World settles down in The Netherlands, the country where this famous event began way back in 1947.

Besides in 1954 it was the region of Drenthe to be home of MXoN for the very first time and it was organized by Motoclub Assen indeed. Nowadays the Dutch TT circuit which hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2015, and witnessed the 2017 and 2018 MXGP Championship crowning momentshas been transformed into a motocross venue again this weekend to host the 2019 edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where each country will have 3 talented riders representing their nation in a fight for glory and pride to line up to win the coveted Chamberlain Trophy. 

Main Photo: 2018 Monster Energy FIM MXoN Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Herlings at 2018 MXGP of the Netherlands; 2. Monster Energy FIM MXoN podium

Team France is lining up again this weekend as defending Champions. They’ve been contesting the event since 1947 with 6 wins in total and 16 podiums. Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulin is leading the way, followed by Team VHR KTM rider Jordi Tixier and Team SM Action Yamaha team’s Maxime Renaux, the three of themrepresent the solid 2019 squad. Despite some latest changes in the line up, these riders still have the capabilities of getting their sixth in a row win and going to Ernèe, France, next year as the champions.

Despite a number of second and third place finishes in the Motocross of Nations, The Netherlands team have never won the Chamberlain trophy, although it looks that might change this weekend. Led by multi-time Motocross World Champion and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, with last year’s perfect man at Redbud, Standing Construct KTM team rider Glenn Coldenhoff who went 1-1 in 2018 competing the OPEN class and Team HRC Calvin Vlaanderen in MX2, the Dutch are clear favourites. Even do the Monster Energy FIM MXoN is really unpredictable and it doesn’t always reward the favourites with victory Team Netherlands is fully motivated to win its first ever Monster Energy FIM MXoN in History in Assen this September. In 2016 Team Netherlands took its first podium in more than 15 years, repeating the accomplishment in both 2017 and 2018. 

This year Team USA arrive with a different line-up than 2018, however Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Zach Osborne, and Jason Anderson and Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing Team rider Justin Cooper, who will enter the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations for the first time,all have put in the hard work to give their team the best chance of victory. Both Osborne and Anderson have arrived early in Europe to prepare for the weekend and along with their previous experience in this event as part of team USA, have a good chance to lift the trophy for the first time since 2011 and score team USA’s 23^rdvictory at this legendary race. 

Last year’s third placed Team Great Britain come with a good line-up of riders and are clearly a team to watch. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson in MXGP class, F&H Kawasaki rider Adam Sterry in MX2 and RFX KTM rider Shaun Simpson in OPEN are all three capable of riding within the lead riders in their classes. Simpson has a Grand Prix victory at the Assen circuit, and both Sterry and Watson are brilliant sand riders.

Team Belgium is always among the favourites with 15 wins at Motocross of Nations, 11 wins in Trophèe des Nations and 1 win in Coupe de Nations. Last time Team Belgium won the Chamberlain Trophy was back in 2013 while this year with two veterans and the 2019 MX2 bronze medal, they come prepared for battle. SR Honda team rider Jeremy Van Horebeek, and JWR Yamaha’s Kevin Strijbos are seasoned campaigners in the Belgian line-up, while Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts experienced his first MXoN in USA last year. Just as they have done so many times before, the Belgian team will make sure they are around the top teams on Sunday night.

Team Italy also selected a well performed team, with Standing Construct KTM team rider Ivo Monticelli at his second MXoN participationcompeting in MXGP, Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Alberto Forato debuting in MX2 at the event and Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki’s Alessandro Lupino, who is the most experienced rider with six participations will enter the OPEN category. No doubt Team Italy has to fight for the top positions; missing the Italian hero Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli they might have a tough weekend, but they will be working just as hard as the other lead nations to make the podium.

Not to forget Team Switzerland with MXGP runner-up Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team’s Jeremy Seewer, Valentin Guillod and Cyril Scheiwiller have a consistent look about them, they could find a top five finish if their riders all perform to their best. Team Australia, whohave been competing in MXoN since the early 80s, have former Grand Prix rider Dean Ferris in the line-up and two youngster who will experience their first ever Motocross of Nations, Kyle Webster and Regan Duffy.

2019 MXGP World Champion Team HRC’s Tim Gajser will hope he can help Team Slovenia into the Sunday program and with Jan Pancar and Irt Peter backing up the World champion it looks very possible. All eyes this weekend are also on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado, the MX2 World champion from Team Spain because of his debut in 450cc in MXGP class after he won the MX2 overall last year in RedBud. Marchetti KTM's Iker Larranaga and Carlos Campano rounded up the Spanish Squad. 

Notable contenders are also Team Estonia, with the veteran A1M Motorsport team’s Tanel Leok who is attending for the 19^thtime, Priit Ratsep and Harri Kullas who have some experience in the team and also big sand skills as well as Team Denmark and Team Latvia. Team Estonia got involved in the event in 1993 for the very first time.

Stefan Kjer Olsen and Vice MX2 Champion Thomas Kjer Olsen entered Team Denmark in MXGP and MX2 classes respectively while Bastian Bogh Damm enters the OPEN class. The first time Denmark contested the Motocross of Nations was in 1951 had the chance to participate in every MXoN since then with only tree exceptions in 2007, 2010 and 2017 with best registered result as a 7th place in 1980.

MX1 2019 Latvian Champion Toms Macuks representing the MXGP Class, Davis Ivanovs entering the MX2 class and multiple Motocross World Champion Pauls Jonass in the OPEN Category will represent Team Latvia this weekend. Team Latvia has been taking part at the event since 1992. 

34 Teams will line up this weekend at the sandy track of Assen which will show some slight changes in the layout made on purpose for a weekend which is bound to be epic. 

Upper Photos: Glenn Coldenhoff & Gautier Paulin - 2018 MXoN

Bottom Photos: Alessandro Lupino & Jorge Prado - 2018 MXoN

TIMETABLE 

Friday: MXoN Teams Presentation to the Crowd 17:00; Pit Bike of Nations 18:15; Briefing with Team Managers and Ballot 19:15.

Saturday: Free practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:00; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 08:15; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 08:30; Time practice bLU cRU YZ65 08:45; Free practice bLU cRU YZ85 09:10; Free practice bLU cRU YZ125 09:35; Free Practice MXGP 10:00; Free practice MX2 10:50; Free Practice Open 11:40; Race bLU cRU YZ65 13:10; Race bLU cRU YZ85 13:45; Qualifying Heat MXGP 14:30; Qualifying Heat MX2 15:30; Qualifying Heat Open 16:30

Sunday: Warm-up B-Final 8:35; Race bLU cRU YZ125 09:20; Warm-up MXoN Group 1 10:00; Warm-up MXoN Group 2 10:20; B-Final 10:50; MXoN Race 1 (MXGP+MX2) 13:10; MXoN Race 2 (MX2+Open) 14:40; MXoN Race 3 (Open+MXGP) 16:08.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Assen