21 years after his first call-up to the national team, Antonio Cairoli is set to make his return to the Motocross of Nations. The Italian legend will be back at the event this year – at Ironman – to support the younger generation, namely the Andrea duo: Adamo & Bonacorsi.
In 2023 and 2024, Alberto Forato filled the MXGP role for Team Italy, but the 2025 season has turned into a nightmare for him sidelined with a knee injury, the Honda SR Motoblouz rider is out indefinitely. Mattia Guadagnini could have stepped in, but the Ducati factory rider has been struggling since the second half of the season began after an injury.
Faced with this situation, the Italian federation turned to a name that still carries weight: Antonio Cairoli. The tireless nine-time world champion, who made a few GP and AMA outdoor appearances this year aboard the iconic Ducati Desmo450MX, is set for a big return to the Motocross of Nations.
Ironman will mark Cairoli’s fifth MXoN appearance on U.S. soil (2007, 2010, 2018 – the year Italy was disqualified – 2022, and now 2025). It took him nine selections to secure his first team podium (3rd in 2013 in Germany alongside Lupino and Philippaerts), and another eight years to finally achieve glory at Mantova in 2021 – not without controversy – when he lifted the Chamberlain Trophy with Lupino and Guadagnini.
At Ironman, Antonio Cairoli will line up alongside Andrea Bonacorsi on the 450cc machines. The Fantic factory rider, enjoying an impressive first full MXGP season (currently 7th in the standings), is preparing for his third MXoN appearance. He reached the podium (3rd) at Ernée in 2023 with Adamo and Forato, before finishing 8th last year at Matterley Basin with the same duo.
Finally, Andrea Adamo, currently battling for the MX2 world title, will represent Italy in his category. The Red Bull KTM rider will contest his fourth MXoN this year, and his second on American soil.
MXGP: Antonio Cairoli
Open: Andrea Bonacorsi
MX2: Andrea Adamo
