MXoN

When we talk about the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, we obviously also talk about the previous winners and legends, who will compete, and this year and we have a long list of motocross legends involved and the 2024 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations is loaded with talent.

Of course, last weekend in Spain, the MXGP and MX2 champions were crowned in Jorge Prado and Kay De Wolf and these two riders will line-up for Spain and The Netherlands, but these two riders are just a tip of the iceberg in what will be a sensational event with brilliant competition. Prado a four-time World champion with 49 Grand Prix victories could be the big star in England, full of confidence and ready to try and get Team Spain on the podium.

AMA supercross and Supermotocross champion, Jett Lawrence could also be the big star of the show as he tries to help Australia win their first ever MXoN overall. The Aussies began their MXoN journey way back in 1984 and since have finished on the podium a handful of times, but never taken the Chamberlain trophy back to Australia. Many are saying Jett and his older brother, Hunter could sweep their classes and their third rider, Kyle Webster might surprise a lot of people in the MX2 class.

Let’s not forget three men with a bunch of AMA and World titles between then, Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser and Eli Tomac. Herlings and Gajser with five World motocross championships between them, not to mention, Herlings 108 Grand Prix wins and Gajser with 49 overall victories. Then we have AMA legend, Eli Tomac, who has seven AMA titles and 96 AMA overall victories. Those three have been so big for our sport over the last 15 years.

While it might be tough for Slovenian to grab the overall team win next Sunday, both Herlings and Tomac will be trying to add their second MXoN team win to their trophy cabinets. Herlings winning with The Netherlands in 2019 at home in Assen, The Netherlands and Tomac winning at home at Redbud in 2022. Both deserve another Chamberlain trophy in their CV’s.

What about two of the best performers at this event, Romain Febvre of Team France and Glenn Coldenhoff of The Netherlands. Febvre a former MXGP World champion has won this event with France on four occasions, first in his MXoN rookie year in 2015, then again in 2016, 2017 and finally last year. As for Coldenhoff, he along with Herlings (and Calvin Vlaanderen) took that win in 2019, but the biggest performances of Coldenhoff came with his 1-1-1-1 race results in 2018 and 2019. Both love Matterley Basin and both can easily lead their countries to victory next Sunday.

Cooper Webb, who will race the MX2 class for Team USA this year hasn’t won the event yet, but has come so close in both 2015 and 2016 and this two time AMA supercross champion and 2016 AMA 250 motocross champion wants desperately to win, after a crash cost his team the win at Maggiora in 2016.

Of course, we also have a handful of former World and AMA champions involved, Tom Vialle, Maxime Renaux, Hunter Lawrence, Aaron Plessinger and Ken Roczen. Between them eight major AMA or FIM titles and all will be involved in the tough battle next weekend. All but Lawrence have won this event at some points, although Lawrence has won his class on two occasions.

In all, we have eight riders who have tasted victory with their country at the MXoN, those being, Max Nagl and Ken Roczen in 2012, Febvre (in 2015, 2016 and 2023), Vialle and Renaux in 2023, Herlings and Coldenhoff in 2019, and Tomac in 2022.

Can one of these men lead Germany, France, The Netherlands or America to another win, or will the Aussies and the Lawrence brothers come out and take their first ever victory at the MXoN? None of us know for now, but what we do know, its going to be fireworks as soon as all these legends take to the track of Matterley Basin next weekend.

Photo Credit: GASGAS

Destiny took a second shot at Team USA’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations prospects on Saturday, sidelining team captain and MXGP Class rider Chase Sexton with an injury, but another former American champion is joining the fight. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac will replace Red Bull KTM’s Sexton to keep America’s 2024 world title hopes alive.

Sexton’s injury, sustained at the final round of the American season in Las Vegas, came only three days after previous team member Chance Hymas confirmed he would be out with a tweaked knee. Following that stroke of bad luck, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb volunteered to race the MX2 class.

This leaves Open Class rider Aaron Plessinger with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as the only original member on the 2024 roster. Team USA is managed by five-time Motocross World Champion Roger Decoster.

“Due to the unfortunate racing incident Chase was involved in at the final round of the season, I was the next one in line to take his place for Team USA,” Tomac said. “Aaron, Cooper and I are ready to give it our best effort at Matterley Basin. This is very short notice for my team, but we are going to make it happen!”

AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier thanked Tomac for joining the 2024 effort at the last minute.

“Yet again, a proud American motocross racer is stepping up to meet fate’s call,” Pelletier said. “Eli Tomac is one of the sport’s great champions, and it’s our honor to welcome him back to Team USA for the 2024 MXON. On behalf of the AMA and all U.S. motocross fans, I want to thank Eli for rising to the occasion and of course to wish Chase a speedy and complete recovery. I also want to acknowledge Star Racing’s commitment to scramble and thank them for providing another rider.”

The 31-year-old Tomac is a four-time American Motocross Champion and a two-time Supercross Champion. He raced the MXGP class in 2022 when Team USA won the MXON at Red Bud MX in Buchanan, Michigan. This year will be Tomac’s fifth time on Team USA on 4,5 and 6 of October in United Kingdom.

Cooper Webb has been confirmed as the replacement for the injured Chance Hymas in the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin. Webb will compete in the MX2 class aboard the YZ250F, marking his first MXoN appearance since 2016.

Webb, a five-time Supercross and Motocross Champion in the USA, led Team USA to a third-place finish in 2016 as the team captain and secured a second-place finish in the Open class in 2015. This upcoming event will mark his third appearance at the MXoN

“I’m so excited to be headed to MXoN,” Webb shared. “It’s a fire drill situation, but I’m extremely grateful. I’ll be all in on 250 prep after Vegas SMX, and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent my country. Let’s do this!”

With Webb’s return, Team USA is ready to make a strong bid for victory at Matterley Basin.

Photo Credit: MX1Onboard

The Norwegian team for the 2024 Monster Energy FIM MXoN has now been selected!

On the 4th-5th and 6th of October, the same as last year edition in Ernée, France, will fight for the Norwegian flag at Matterley Basin, England. After the injury of Cornelius Tøndel last year, the three World Championship riders have a second opportunity in the famous English valley to clinch a strong result for Norway in 2024.

MXGP: Kevin Horgmo

MX2: Håkon Fredriksen

MXOpen: Cornelius Tøndel

Espen Blikstad (Team Manager):

This year, Kevin has moved up to a 450cc bike and takes the captain’s role as an MX1 rider. He has had a very solid first year in MX1 and is currently in 8th place overall in the WC with two rounds to go. Cornelius has been the big surprise this year in MX1. Several top 10 finishes and a podium finish have made him an established MX1 rider. Håkon returns from injury. He has had a good period of training at home, ran a few races in Norway, and is ready to return to training and competitions with his team in Germany. Håkon rides MX2, 250, the same class he competed in earlier this year.

The MXoN is a difficult race to perform in. Three riders must deliver at their peak throughout a whole weekend after a long season ahead. The track suits us well, and the athletes have achieved good results there in the past. We have high hopes and are highly motivated for the task.

The anticipation is building for the 2024 Motocross of Nations, the big end-of-season event that will take place at Matterley Basin in the UK, 4-5-6 October.

With a very young average age of the team (22 years), Italy aims to reaffirm the high level of its motocross youth development program and the great qualities, both individually and collectively, of the riders in the "Maglia Azzurra" (Blue Jersey).

The FMI Technical Commissioner, Thomas Traversini, has decided to bet on Mattia Guadagnini for the MXGP class, who has fully recovered from a fracture of his left shoulder blade. For the MXOpen class, there will be Andrea Bonacorsi, European MX250 Champion in 2023, making his debut this year in the MXGP World Championship with good results. Andrea Adamo, the reigning MX2 World Champion and one of the best motocross riders globally, has been called up for the third consecutive time. Alberto Forato has been selected as a reserve: after an injury that forced him to stop for nearly four months, he returned to racing on June 22 and 23 at Ponte a Egola for the Italian championship, and his physical condition is constantly improving.

• Mattia Guadagnini, born in Bassano del Grappa (VI) on 04/11/2002. Motorcycle: Husqvarna. Team: Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing. Moto Club: Ardosa. MXoN Class: MXGP.
• Andrea Bonacorsi, born in Bergamo on 04/23/2003. Motorcycle: Yamaha. Team: Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing. Moto Club: G.S. Fiamme Oro. MXoN Class: MXOpen.
• Andrea Adamo, born in Erice (TP) on 08/22/2003. Motorcycle: KTM. Team: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Moto Club: La Rocca. MXoN Class: MX2.
• Alberto Forato (reserve), born in Feltre (BL) on 03/30/2000. Motorcycle: Honda. Team: Standing Construct Honda. Moto Club: Orbassano Racing.

The final lineup will be announced soon.

Main Photo: Mattia Guadagnini
Top Photo: Andrea Bonacorsi 

Andrea Adamo 

Alberto Forato 

Giovanni Copioli, FMI President: "We will go to the UK with the goal of repeating last year's excellent performance. We have a team composed of young but experienced riders who have shown throughout their careers that they can compete at high levels and achieve excellent results. We know that in these competitions, teamwork is crucial, and I am sure our riders will give their all to achieve the best possible result. I wish them and Technical Commissioner Traversini the best of luck."

Thomas Traversini, FMI Technical Commissioner: "There is less and less time until the 2024 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, and our boys can't wait to get on the track to prove their worth. For this year as well, we have decided to call up a team with a low average age because we believe in the strength of our youth program and because we can count on young riders with enviable human and qualitative characteristics, who have shown in recent years that they can achieve excellent results. As in every edition, there will be ambitious teams aiming high, but we will not be outdone.”

With just over a month to go until the highly anticipated Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXON) returns to Matterley Basin on the 4th, 5th and 6th of October, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain, in collaboration with the ACU Motocross Commission, is proud to reveal the three riders selected to represent Great Britain: Tommy Searle (MXGP), Max Anstie (MX2), and Conrad Mewse (MX Open).

Leading the charge for Team GB in the MXGP class is the experienced Tommy Searle. Returning to the MXON after his last appearance at Red Bud in 2022, this year’s event marks Searle’s 13th time representing his country. Searle, who first competed in the MXON at Matterley Basin in 2006, currently holds second place in the Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship (MX2 class). For this event, he’ll be stepping up to the 450cc class, riding his Dirt Store Kawasaki.

Reflecting on his selection, Searle shared, “I’m really looking forward to representing Team GB. I’m going all in now for the next few weeks to do my very best. With Max and Conrad on the team, we have a great lineup. To be doing what I imagine will be my final MXON in the UK is something dreams are made of. I’ll put in the graft now to get the results that can make the nation proud.”

Joining Searle in the team is the reigning British MX1 Champion and three-time British MX2 Champion, Conrad Mewse, who will compete in the MX Open class aboard his Crendon Fasttrack Tru7 Honda Racing 450 machine. Mewse has been in top form this season, currently locked in a close battle with five-time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, sitting just 15 points behind in the British Championship standings.

“It’s an honour to represent Team GB at our home MXON,” Mewse said. “With the experience that Max and Tommy bring, I feel confident and ready. I want to extend a massive thanks to Mark Chamberlain for the selection, and I’m committed to giving my all for our nation.”

Rounding out the team is Max Anstie, who will take on the MX2 class riding his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250. Anstie returns to Matterley Basin, the scene of his historic 1-1 victory at the 2017 MXON. Since joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, Anstie has consistently delivered top-10 finishes in the AMA Nationals, including impressive top-5 results at Spring Creek and Unadilla.

“I’m excited to be coming home for Matterley MXON on my Star Yamaha,” Anstie stated. “We have a strong team, and I’m looking forward to an amazing event. Last time we were here for MXON, it was a dream weekend, so let’s go make it another great one! I appreciate the team and Mark working together to make this happen.”

With three strong riders, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain commented, “Lots of work has gone into getting the best Team that we can for our home Nations, it was important to put every effort into securing Max on what is a great bike and Team in Star Racing Yamaha.

Then you add Conrad who has had another great season racing Herlings at the British Championship and it has elevated his level, so excited to see him on his Crendon Fasttrack Tru7 Honda Racing.

Tommy Searle, what can you say? 6 weeks ago, I asked if he could help with the Team to prepare leading up to the race! Tommy has come into form at the right time, and I believe is the man for the job. He is happy in the Dirt Store Kawasaki Team and it’s showing.

All 3 riders have stood on the podium for Team GB over the last few years and have had great results at Matterley individually. Let’s get behind them as I’m sure they will give everything for the home fans!”

This year again, Team Spain will be one of the strongest team behind the gate of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. The reigning MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado will wear the red and yellow colors in United Kingdom on 4-5-6 of October 2024 with the Factory HRC rider Rubén Fernandez back in business since the MXGP of Switzerland presented by IXS and the impressive Oriol Oliver who is now a top 10 rider in MX2 World Championship.

Team Spain

• MXGP: Jorge Prado #19
• MX2: Oriol Oliver #20
• OPEN: Ruben Fernandez #21

David Braceras and Jose Butron has been named reserve riders.

Paco Rico, National MX Coach:  “It is obvious that due to the level of our international riders, the two 450 spots would be filled by Rubén Fernández, who has recovered from his injury, and of course, without a doubt, the current world champion Jorge Prado as captain of the Spanish team in MXGP. In MX2, Guillem Farrés will be unavailable again due to injury and this year Oriol Oliver will be the one to defend the colours of Spain again, after proving that he is ready for the occasion following his good season. David Braceras will be our reserve rider in MX2 and José Antonio Butrón in the MXGP/Open categories. With this team we have the desire and the hope of once again fighting head to head with the best countries in the world, trying to raise the Spanish flag as high as possible and making all the Spanish fans enjoy this beautiful and special race that is experienced in such a different way to the rest.”

Image : RFME

The MXoN Team Switzerland is pleased to announce his riders for the Motocross of Nations!

The team around Team Manager Mat Rebeaud, Diego Clément and Fabian Tellenbach is optimistic that the Swiss team, which has set itself the goal of finishing in the top 5, can reach the podium. A very ambitious goal but not impossible. Driven by emotions and passion, the riders and the entire team are working hard behind the scenes on their preparations to show themselves in the best possible light.

Switzerland will be represented by a strong and experienced trio of riders:

- Jeremy Seewer: No. 16 MXGP

- Arnaud Tonus: No. 17 MX2

- Valentin Guillod: No. 18 MXOpen

This combination put the team in sixth place last year, tied on points with the fifth-placed team. We can already say that our team will be by far the most experienced at the starting gate. It will be the 11th participation for Arnaud Tonus, the 12th for Jeremy Seewer and the 13th for Valentin Guillod.

A special highlight for the Swiss fans in England will be the Swiss House. This meeting point has been organized for our Swiss fan community. Exclusive packages will be on offer, including tickets, food and fan merchandise. This offers a great opportunity to support the Swiss riders on site and to experience unforgettable moments together.

The 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is set to take place at Matterley Basin, UK, on October 4-6, and several teams have already confirmed their line-ups for this highly anticipated event. Here's a quick recap of the teams announced so far:

France: France is fielding a strong team with Romain Febvre, Maxime Renaux and Tom Vialle, aiming to maintain their place at the top of the podium.

USA: The USA has a powerful line-up with Chase Sexton, Aaron Plessinger, and Chance Hymas, who are looking to reclaim the title after several years.

Australia: The Lawrence brothers, Hunter and Jett, alongside Kyle Webster make up a formidable Australian team poised to challenge for their first win.

Netherlands: The Netherlands has a powerhouse trio with Jeffrey Herlings, Kay de Wolf and Calvin Vlaanderen, making them strong contenders for the win.

Germany: With Ken Roczen (best rider of the MXoN 2023), Simon Langenfelder, and Max Nagl, Germany has a powerful line-up ready to compete at the highest level.

Belgium: Belgium’s hopes rest on wonderkids Lucas Coenen, Sacha Coenen and Liam Everts, who will look to make a significant impact.

Japan: Haruki Yokoyama, Yuki Okura and Kainosuke Oshiro will be a representant of the Asian continent with Japan bringing speed and skill to the event.

Brazil: Fabio Santos, Enzo Lopes and Bernardo Tiburcio will represent Brazil, aiming to make their mark on the world stage.

Denmark: Mikkel Haarup, Mads Fresoe and Nicolai Skovbjerg will represent Denmark, aiming to compete strongly against the world’s best.

Latvia: Karlis Reisulis, Mairis Pumpurs and Edvards Bidzans will bring their A-game to qualify for the A Final.

Ireland: Cole McCullough, Martin Barr and Jason Meara will represent Ireland, bringing a mix of experience and tenacity to the track.

South Africa: Tristan Purdon, Camden McLellan and Cameron Durow will represent South Africa, bringing youthful energy and determination.

Czech Republic: Petr Polak, Julius Mikula and Jakub Terešák will carry the Czech flag, with Terešák fresh off his EMXOpen Championship win.

Austria: Michael Sandner, Michael Kratzer and Marcel Stauffer fresh of his 2024 European EMX2t title will hold the Austrian flag.

Lithuania: Domantas Jazdauskas, Marius Adomaitis and Erlanda Mackonis will be the hope for their country to be well placed.

New Zealand: Hamish Harwood, Brodie Connolly and Josiah Natzke are set to fly the flag for New Zealand with solid experience.

Canada: Dylan Wright, Kaven Benoit and Jess Pettis will represent Canada, combining youth and experience.

Portugal: Luis Outeiro, Sandro Lobo and Paulo Alberto will ride to get the best positions for the Portuguese flag.

Venezuela: Anthony Rodriguez, Lorenzo Locurcio and Daniel Bortolin will be on the track for Venezuela, hoping to showcase their skills.

Iceland: Iceland will be represented by Mani Pétursson, Eiour Palmarsson and Alexander Kuc in the aim to give their best on the world’s stage.

We are yet to find out which riders will composed some of the favourites with Team Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia and the home Team GB,  in what is going to be an electric event with the best riders on top form to lift the title.

With such a diverse and competitive line-up of teams, the 2024 MXoN at Matterley Basin promises to be an exciting and closely contested event. Fans can look forward to seeing some of the best riders in the world battle it out for national pride on motocross’ most iconic stage!