MX2

ASSEN (The Netherlands) 28 September 2019 – The 73^rd edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations saw the qualifying races today at the amazing facility at the Assen TT circuit. 

Despite the rain thousands filled the grandstand area in support for their nation and their favourite riders. Throughout the races there was not a quiet moment on track, with the roar of the crowd erupting from every area of the circuit, in support for their team. 

Team Belgium will start in pole for tomorrow’s races as their riders Kevin Strijbos, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Jago Geerts scored a total of 5 points between them. Second was The Netherlands team, with Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff and Calvin Vlaanderen also scoring 5 points, with Team USA finishing in third with 7 points. 

While it was Belgium who qualified best, the qualification race wins went to Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer (MXGP), Team USA’s Justin Cooper (MX2) and  Team Latvia’s Pauls Jonass (Open). 

Team Spain’s Jorge Prado who made his debut in MXGP Class led the MXGP qualifier from Team Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer, Team Australia’s Dean Ferris, and Team Slovenia’s Tim Gajser. Some of the favourites for the MXGP class were struggling after poor starts, with Team France’s Gautier Paulin 17^th, Team USA’s Jason Anderson 18^th and Team Netherlands’ Jeffrey Herlings back in 27^th place. 

After a lap Prado held a one second lead over Seewer, with Ferris third. Then came Team Belgium’s Jeremy Van Horebeek, and Team Sweden’s Filip Bengtsson in fifth. Coming through the pack were also Gajser and Van Horebeek, with both riders making a pass on Ferris, dropping the Aussie to fifth position. 

Anderson moved up to ninth place, while Herlings moved up to 14^th. Prado then lost the lead after a slip off and was forced back to sixth allowing Seewer to make the move into first. 

Prado and Anderson were all over Ferris for fourth place, and Team Italy’s Ivo Monticelli passed Bengtsson for seventh place. Meanwhile Herlings moved up to 12^th. Both Prado and Anderson, eventually made a pass on Ferris.

Gajser started closing up on Seewer for the lead and Herlings was right onto the back wheel of Paulin and Monticelli. Herlings passed Paulin and Monticelli as he moved to 8^thposition, sending the Dutch fans wild. Seewer continued his strong ride as he opened up his lead to more than two seconds on lap eight.

Bengtsson passed Ferris for sixth place and Herlings made sure to make the most of this opportunity, also passing the Aussie rider for 7^th position. 

Team GB’s Nathan Watson moved up to 11^thplace in the race, having started the race from almost last. Herlings was then all over Anderson for fifth place as the Dutchman showed his skills in the sad, clocking one of fastest laps of the race.

Herlings again had a super quick lap time as the track started to really get rough. Seewer held a four second lead over Gajser, Van Horebeek, Prado, Anderson and Herlings in sixth. Herlings then blasted past Anderson for fifth, with Seewer eventually taking the win  of the MXGP heat from Gajser and Van Horebeek.

Jeremy Seewer: “It isn't an official MXGP race, but still amazing to win it. I got a good start from gate position 16, I saw Prado making mistakes and my riding was smooth. He made a mistake and I was able to get the pass and win, and now the pressure is off Team Switzerland.”

Qualifying Heat MXGP Top Ten:1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), 24:24.659; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:07.400; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:13.371; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:22.859; 5. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:23.401; 6. Jason Anderson (USA, Husqvarna), +0:30.482; 7. Filip Bengtsson (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:52.693; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:56.200; 9. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:06.932; 10. Dean Ferris (AUS, KTM), +1:08.158;

Main Photo: MX2 MXoN Start

Bottom Photos: Jeremy Seewer

Team USA’s Justin Cooper led the MX2 qualifier, followed by Team Australia’s Kyle Webster, Team New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh, Team Norway’s Kevin Horgmo and Ivanovs fifth. Team Belgium’s Jago Geerts was back in 12^th on the opening lap. 

After four laps the lead by Cooper was nearly five seconds, followed by Webster, Walsh, Horgmo, and Vlaanderen. Meanwhile, Olsen was back in 11^th place. Team Great Britain’s Adam Sterry found himself in trouble back in 14^th position.

While Cooper continued to lead from Webster, Walsh, Vlaanderen and Horgmo, Vlaanderen moved up to third place as he made a pass on New Zealander, Dylan Walsh. And after making a mistake, Aussie Kyle Webster found himself off the track, but not lost any places in the process. 

Nine seconds ahead and looking brilliant in the sand was Cooper, who completely blew away the theory that Team USA would struggle in the sand. Horgmo also passed Walsh for fourth place, and Vlaanderen cought Webster for second place on lap nine. 

Vlaanderen started to catch Cooper for the lead, and was looking very quick, third was Webster, then Geerts and Forato in fifth. In the end it was Team USA’s Justin Cooper who secured the win in the MX2 qualifying race after taking the holeshot and leading the whole race at his first MXoN attempt followed by Vlaanderen and Webster. 

Justin Cooper: “I did a good job, I didn’t expect to come out first and from that outside gate, that was good. This track is really tough but we will make some changes and come out tomorrow. Thanks to everyone supporting me.”

Qualifying Heat MX2 Top Ten:1. Justin Cooper (USA, Yamaha), 25:21.913; 2. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:06.220; 3. Kyle Webster (AUS, Honda), +0:17.699; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:20.272; 5. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:20.710; 6. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:23.292; 7. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:28.409; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), +0:33.692; 9. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:46.518; 10. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.165.

Photos: 1. MXoN Crowd; 2. Justin Cooper

Team Belgium’s Kevin Strijbos led the Open class qualifier from Team Finland’s Harri Kullas, Team Latvia’s Pauls Jonass, Team Australia’s Regan Duffy and Team Poland’s Szymon Staszkiewicz.

Team Netherland’s Glenn Coldenhoff quickly made a move on Duffy and Staszkiewicz, with Team Great Britain’s Shaun Simpson making the move up to 7^th place and Team USA’s Zach Osborne was up to 13^th. 

Jonass made a move into the lead and Coldenhoff moved into third place, as Duffy found himself in trouble which saw him drop down to fifth place. Two laps later, Osborne moved up into 12^th. 

After three laps Jonass was still in the lead from Strijbos, Coldenhoff, Kullas and Simpson in fifth while Osborne was up to ninth place.

After seven laps Jonass held a one second lead over Strijbos and Coldenhoff, followed by Kullas and Simpson with Duffy sixth and Osborne seventh. Strijbos closed up on Jonass for the lead with a second between them. 

While Jonass continued to lead just ahead of Strijbos, Coldenhoff went down, but remained in third. Duffy also crashed but kept his position on the track. In the end it was Pauls Jonass who secured the win in the Open class, the first heat win for Team Latvia at the Motocross of Nations. Strijbos and Coldenhoff both had to settle for second and third. 

Pauls Jonass: “It is always nice to race for your own country and get a win, and that’s the first win for Latvia in this event. I got some wheelspin on the gate but felt good and passed Strijbos. I can’t wait to to be there tomorrow”

Qualifying Heat Open Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), 24:55.952; 2. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Yamaha), +0:01.147; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:38.431; 4. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +0:41.618; 5. Harri Kullas (EST, Honda), +1:02.268; 6. Regan Duffy (AUS, KTM), +1:14.670; 7. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +1:21.168; 8. Zachary Osborne (USA, Husqvarna), +1:24.175; 9. Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), +1:47.042; 10. Dennis Ullrich (GER, Husqvarna), +1:58.875. 

Main Photo: Assen Tribune

Bottom Photos: 1. Pauls Jonass; 2. Kevin Strijbos

Click here for the complete results.

All the photos from the 2019 Monster Energy FIM MXoN will be available HERE

2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, Assen – The Netherlands – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1700

Type of ground: Sandy

Temperature: 23° C

Weather conditions: cloudy with showers

The 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations  will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

TIMETABLE 

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

ASSEN (Netherlands) 28 September 2019 –  Following today’s qualifying races, at the famous Assen TT circuit, the party moved to the expo hall, where riders, journalists, photographers and team plus more gathered to celebrate this year’s achievements. 

The MXGP Awards is a prize giving ceremony, designed to celebrate the accomplishments from this season in the MXGP paddock. The awards were hosted by the voice of MXGP-TV Commentator Paul Malin and MXGP-TV Presenter, Lisa Leyland and it was live streamed worldwide on MXGP-TV.com.

To kick off this evening’s festivities, Youthstream President Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Vice President Mr. Jacques Bolle and Region of Drenthe Deputy Mr. Henk Brink took to the stage to welcome the MXGP guests for the 2019 MXGP Awards. 

Youthstream President Mr. Giuseppe Luongo and FIM Vice President Jacques Bolle personally awarded the seasons most prestigious awards to the 2019 FIM Motocross World Champions, Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado at the end of the celebration while Youthstream CEO David Luongo together with FIM Europe President Martin De Graaff awarded the the 2019 European Champions, Roan Van De Moosdijk, Mike Kras, Mattia Guadagnini, Edvards Bidzans and Vitezslav Marek. David Luongo was joined later on by FIM Vice President Jacques Bolle to award the WMX and the Junior World Champions.

Tom Vialle picked up the Jan de Groot Award that honours the most promising young talent. Also receiving an award was Max Anstie, who was awarded this year’s Fair Play Award for helping Romain Febvre, who was trapped under his bike, during the MXGP of Germany in Teutschenthal. Unfortunately, Anstie was not present to collect the award in person. 

As the evening moved on, Heinz Kinigardner was presented a cheque of 10,000 euro as a donation to the Wings For Life charity. Taking the emotional atmosphere on stage Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyn Bloch from IRP joined Paul Malin and Lisa Leyland on stage to tell more about the very important work that they do as part of the IRP charity. The IRP specialise in the rehabilitation of life changing injuries, especially those suffering from paraplegia. It was a special moment, as on stage they showed the public in attendance the impressive work IRP does. The IRP and MXGP have been in collaboration to raise funds for more important research carried out.

World Champions, Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado were both presented as the winners of the Tag Heuer Fastest Lap competition, receiving a fine-looking Tag Heuer watch as an award while Fox Head General Manager, Julien Bretagne awarded this year’s Fox Holeshot competition to Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado with their prize. Both riders have previously won this contest in 2018. 

For the complete list of award winners, see below:

MXGP Manufacturer World Champion: Honda

MX2 Manufacturer World Champion: KTM

WMX Manufacturer World Champion: Kawasaki

MXGP Winning Team: Team HRC

MX2 Winning Team: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

WMX Winning Team: Bike it DRT Kawaski

Mechanic of the Year: Luigi Rossini “Cippa”

Lifetime Career Award: John Van Den Berk

Photojournalist of the Year: Adriano Dondi

Best Digital Platform: MX Vice

“Jan De Groot” Award: Tom Vialle

Fair Play Award: Max Anstie

MXGP Best Cooperation: MXGP of Russia

MXGP Best Race Track: MXGP of Argentina

MXGP Best Media Centre: MXGP Italy, Imola 

MXGP Best Paddock: MXGP of Turkey

MXGP Best Promotion: MXGP of China

MXGP Best Infrastructure: MXGP of China

MXGP Best Organiser: MXGP of Latvia

Wings for Life: Heinz Kinigardner

EMX 65 European Champion: Vitezslav Marek

EMX 85 European Champion: Edvards Bidzans

EMX 125 European Champion: Mattia Guadagnini

EMX 250 European Champion: Roan Van De Moosdijk         

EMX2T European Champion: Mike Kras

65cc Junior World Cup Winner: Vitezslav Marek

85cc Junior World Champion: Valerio Lata

125cc Junior World Champion: Mattia Guadagnini

Women’s World Champion: Courtney Duncan

TAG HEUER Best Lap Challenge - MXGP & MX2: Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado

FOX HOLESHOT Award - MXGP & MX2: Antonio Cairoli & Jorge Prado

MX2 World Champion: Jorge Prado

MXGP World Champion: Tim Gajser

Click HERE to watch the full 2019 MXGP Awards video

Links:

Youthstream

FIM

ASSEN (Netherlands) 28 September 2019 – The 73rd Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, which takes place inside the cathedral of speed of Assen, in the Netherlands, was the best possible place for an announcement destined to mark a new chapter in the history of Motocross. The best riders in the world will return to race on Maggiora’s dirt in 2020. After having presented a new completely project, re-examined in every detail and submitted to the V.I.A. (Environmental Impact Assessment), obtaining a favorable opinion, sports activities are expected to resume shortly and will include various innovations, adding to motocross also cycling activities, becoming an important resource for the region, creating activities with low environmental impact, developing the tourism and the local economy. The rising of Maggiora, as the venue for 2020 Italian Grand Prix, is the starting point for writing together with Youthstream, the FIM and the FMI new unforgettable pages of the most beautiful sport in the world: Motocross.

Youthstream CEO David Luongo: “We are very proud to bring back the MXGP World Championship to Maggiora for the 2020. This place has always been linked with very special moments in the motocross history. Every fan still remember the 1986 Motocross of Nations when the American Dream Team won the Chamberlain trophy. When MXGP came back in 2013 to Maggiora it has been one of the biggest successes of the season and we have no doubt that the future will be bright for this event. I would like to thank Stefano Avendero and all his team for the efforts put into this project towards the last years, their passion for Motocross and the FMI for supporting MXGP.”

FMI President Giovanni Copioli: “We all know how much Maggiora is important for Italian and international Motocross. I'm really satisfied about the MXGP return in a such great location liked by fans and riders and very important for the territory. I want to thanks Youthstream and Stefano Avandero for their engagement in this project.  The Italian Motorcycling Federation supports this kind of initiatives, and now we can wait for the great emotions of the 2020 MXGP of Italy."

A Sport Group President Stefano Avandero: “It is with great pride that I can announce that Maggiora Park has obtained the favorable opinion of the VIA project (Environmental Impact Assessment) presented and that the last procedures are finally being completed. Thinking that after three long years, the activity can restart, is a great feeling. We are organizing a very efficient and qualified team that, with good planning, will help me to make Maggiora great again. The various local institutions, such as the Province and the Municipality, have been vital to reach this great goal, as has the support of YouthStream, the FIM and the Italian Motorcycle Federation. The Maggiora Park will also have another great goal realizing various paths dedicated to both "E-Bike" and muscular MTBs, over the whole area, including passages on the motocross track that throughout the year will be available for these disciplines. I also have in mind many other projects that will be part of a new great chapter of the history of Maggiora.”

Links:

Youthstream

FIM

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).