MXoN: The Assen Underdogs
Heading into this years Motocross Des Nations. The Netherlands are clear favourites with USA not far behind. However, we take a look at some of the Nations that could surprise.
Despite winning the event five years in a row, the French really are coming in as underdogs this year. For starters, it’s a sand race and everyone knows that the French excel on the hard pack conditions. As usual there’s been plenty of drama regarding the French and their team selection too!
Tom Vialle was selected but then dropped from the team all because of a red bull logo issue on his hat – politics! It means Maxime Renaux will step up in his place who in truth might not be far off Vialle’s pace at Assen but his starts typically aren’t as good which is crucial at the Motocross Des Nations.
Renaux on his way to a podium in Imola. Pic: Youthstream
When Romain Febvre got injured meaning he’d miss the event, it was a big blow and it means Jordi Tixier will race again alongside Gautier Paulin who hasn’t had a good end to the MXGP season but he always seems to find away to step up at the MXoN.
Even though on paper it’s not the best team, it would be dangerous to underestimate the French, they’ve proved time and time again they have what it takes to win!
There’s not been too much talk about Belgium but on paper they have a strong team and all three riders excel in the sand. Sure, Van Horebeek and Strijbos aren’t as strong as Coldenhoff and Herlings on paper but the beauty about the MXoN is that anything can happen on race day and you need luck on your side to win the event.
Jago Geerts, there’s certainly no doubts about his speed in the sand but starts seem to be an issue and he’s crashed a bit too much this year. If he can start well and keeps it on two wheels he’ll be in the running to win the MX2 class. Without Prado in that class, there’s a host of riders eager for MX2 glory and the class won’t be as deep as an MX2 GP with many riders moving up to MXGP or Open so they’ll feel they can take home the win.
Geerts on his Kemea Yamaha Pic: Youthsteam
Van Horebeek has had a solid year on his privateer SR Honda, riding wise this wouldn’t be far off the best Van Horebeek we’ve seen considering the material he’s riding. Eighth in the MXGP World Championship was a strong showing from the #89 and he always seems to step it up at the Nations.
The so called weak link in the team is Kevin Strijbos who said himself he thinks there’s better Belgians than him but he got picked because they’re injured! However, he’ll have a Wilvo Yamaha for the event and without a ride for 2020 yet he’ll be motivated to impress in Assen – he doesn’t want to quit just yet.
If everything clicks for Belgium there’s no reason why they can’t challenge for at least a podium.
Heading into Assen, Italy are without Antonio Cairoli and Michele Cervellin due to injury. In the past without those two riders you’d have assumed they’d really struggle. However, they have quite a lot of talent emerging from Italy over the past couple of years.
It’s worth mentioning that last year Italy had a shot at winning the event but eventually came home in third before being disqualified due to fuel issues – they won’t want a repeat of that this year!
Alessandro Lupino is Mr Consistent for Italy so he’ll know exactly what to expect from the event and you can expect him to post top ten results.
Joining Lupino for the Italian’s is Ivo Monticelli and Alberto Forato. Both have had great season’s and will go into Assen with a lot of confidence.
One of the most improved riders in MXGP this year has to be Monticelli who was seen as a risk signing for the Standing Construct team but the Italian has earned a deal with the team for 2020. The likeable Italian just missed out on a top ten championship finishing in eleventh but he’ll be happy with his progress. His sand riding took a massive step in the right direction so he should enjoy the Assen track this weekend whereas in the past it might have been a problem for him.
He might have missed out on the EMX250 title but Alberto Forato had one heck of a season. A year ago he was struggling with injuries but after leaving the Assomotor Honda team to join the Maddii Husqvarna team he was like a new rider!
Forato on his Maddii Husqvarna Pic: Youthstream
Forato ended up third in the EMX250 series and had three top ten finishes in the MX2 World Championship rounds he did – speed isn’t the issue. The problem are his starts because he’s a giant – he’s like the big friendly giant! Whilst starts will most likely hinder him in Assen watch him battle through the pack, he’s well used to it.
On paper, team GB had a real chance of something special in Assen with Max Anstie, Ben Watson and Shaun Simpson the three riders chosen. However, two of those later got ruled out for the event which is a massive shame but they’ve got two good replacements.
Adam Sterry and Nathan Watson got the call up’s to race in Assen and it’ll be the first time racing the Nations for both. Sterry had a really good season during his last year in MX2 ending up sixth in the world. As for Watson he’s an Enduro rider now but has a Motocross background and loves a bit of sand riding. The last Enduro rider to race the MXoN for a top nation was Christophe Charlier when he raced for France at Matterley Basin and guess what – they won! Watson will be hoping to do the same and even though it’ll be tough a podium is still possible.
Article: Andy McKinstry
Pics: Youthstream
