Injuries and logistical challenges have led to changes in the Norwegian team set to compete at the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, France, from October 2–4. The changes provide young riders with the opportunity to represent Norway on one of motocross’s biggest international stages.
Team Norway MX announced a team in August consisting of Kevin Horgmo, Pelle Gundersen and Cornelius Tøndel. Horgmo was injured during this weekend’s MXGP round in China and is unable to compete. Tøndel will also be unable to travel from the USA to France due to a demanding competitive season in the United States. Håkon Østerhagen, who was considered as a reserve for Tøndel, has also recently suffered an injury.
With these changes to the team, Team Norway MX has decided to take a long-term approach and give younger riders the opportunity to compete at an international level. Pelle Gundersen will continue in the MX2 class, which he also competed in for Norway at last year’s Motocross of Nations.
Team Norway MXoN 2026
- MX1: Leander Thunshelle
- MX2: Pelle Gundersen
- MXOpen: Sander Agard-Michelsen
“It is unfortunate that Kevin and Håkon are injured and that Cornelius is unable to compete. At the same time, I am pleased that Leander and Sander are taking the opportunity to represent Norway. They will gain valuable international experience, and together with Pelle, they form a young team that takes the task seriously,” says Camilla R. Illidi, sports director at the Norwegian Motorsport Federation.
“Unfortunately, we have been heavily affected by injuries this season, and several of our established riders are unavailable for this year’s Motocross of Nations.
This means we have chosen to take a long-term approach and give some of our younger riders the opportunity to represent Norway. We have several young athletes who have shown good development and strong performances throughout the season, and this will be an important opportunity for them to gain experience at the highest international level.
We are bringing a young and hungry team, without putting unnecessary pressure on the result. The goal is to represent Norway in a good way, fight together as a team and, at the same time, build experience for the future,” says Espen Blikstad, head of elite motocross and national team coach.
The Motocross of Nations brings together national teams from around the world at the Circuit Raymond Demy in Ernée. Each nation fields one rider in MX1, one in MX2 and one in MXOpen. The classes compete across three races, with riders’ finishing positions contributing points to their team. The team with the lowest overall points total wins.
