Only Ben Watson is a GP regular but team GB have picked the strongest team possible and it is an exciting trio ready to unleash their perhaps underrated speed against the world in Ernee.
Last year it was the veterans at RedBud and this year it is the younger riders entering their prime year. Ben Watson has had a good season on the Beta, and even if the results aren’t what he wants all the time he’s still going very fast, the MXGP field is just a different level of depth to anywhere else on the planet but Ben has shown with a start he is a top ten rider – his experience will be invaluable this year.
When it comes to speed all of the UK know just how incredibly fast Conrad Mewse can go. He is, on pure talent, a factory level MXGP rider and he will get the change to show the world at Ernee just how fast he has been going in the UK this year. With Harri Kullas results in America it underlines the level Mewse has been riding in the UK to dominate the domestic scene, if he brings that pace to Ernee, GB will have a very strong base with Watson and Mewse on the big bikes.
Josh Gilbert’s smooth style suits the 450 perfectly and he has been able to give Mewse a run for his money at times this year, but let’s not forget he is pretty handy on a 250 as well. Gilbert is more than capable of getting a result the Brits need to bring home a good result in France and he has definitely earned his spot on the team with his performances not just this year but last year. Gilbert tends to take things in his stride and performed well in America in 2022 with no experience, so the pressure shouldn’t be a problem at Ernee. If the bike is fast, Gilbert will be a strong, stylish and intriguing addition to the 250 class.
The British team is stronger than the rest of the world might realise!
Image: Adam Duckworth
Words: Jonathan McCready
