The Motocross of Nations is often described as the Olympics of motocross – a unique event where riders put aside their usual team colours to line up for their country on one of the most prestigious stages in the sport. This year, the iconic event heads across the Atlantic to Ironman in USA, and for Team Ireland, there was even doubt that they’d even send a team but in the end the decison was made to send three riders to the event.
The Irish squad will be led by three riders who are no strangers to this level of competition: Martin Barr (MXGP), Glenn McCormick (MX2) and Stuart Edmonds (OPEN). Between them, they bring a mix of vast experience, hunger for redemption, and a clear determination to deliver for their country. Each rider shared their thoughts ahead of the event, highlighting both their personal motivations and the collective goal of flying the Irish flag high on American soil.
Martin Barr – the leader
For Martin Barr, the 2025 edition of the MXoN marks a staggering 19th appearance in Irish colours and set to be his final race as a professional rider. The seasoned campaigner knows exactly what it takes to compete on this stage, but the call-up still means just as much as it did the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to my 19th MXoN with Team Ireland. Getting that phone call to say you have made the team never gets old. I’ve put a lot of work in after my injury to make sure I was back on the bike and racing before heading off to America. I’m feeling back to my old self. We have a good team and I know we will all put 100% effort in once the gates drop.”
Barr’s experience will no doubt play a key role in guiding the team, while his return to form after injury ensures he arrives in the U.S. sharp and motivated.
Glenn McCormick – looking for redemption
Glenn McCormick heads into Ironman with a mixture of excitement and unfinished business. Having endured heartbreak at his only MxoN to date so far in France, where he was taken out in qualifying before crashing out of the B final, he is determined to put on a better showing this year after a very strong season contesting the British Championship.
“Well, what can I say? Racing in America at Ironman is top of my bucket list. After the French MXoN being taken out in my qualifying race and crashing out of the B final, I am really looking forward to getting some redemption. I’ve had one of my best seasons this year and I know what I am capable of so I’m looking forward to the challenge. I think it’s hard to have any other expectations than do my absolute best and qualify. I am excited to get the elbows up and get stuck in.”
For McCormick, racing in the United States is not only about redemption – it’s about fulfilling a lifelong dream of racing in America.
Stuart Edmonds – experience
Stuart Edmonds will line up for his 11th MXoN appearance, and much like Barr, he brings vital experience to the team. Edmonds admits he is thrilled to be back in the squad and feels this year’s venue plays right into his strengths.
“It’s good to be back on the MXoN team representing Ireland again. This will be my 11th Nations representing the country. I am really happy about it. I’m delighted with the pick and we’ve got a strong team. I think the main objective is to get us to qualify straight into the A finals and not wanting to do any B final. I’ve always wanted to race Ironman. It’s a track that I think will suit me, big jumps, ruts and stuff like that. I’m looking forward to it.”
Edmonds has been meticulous in his preparation for the event. He has even adapted his sleeping patterns in advance to reduce the effects of jetlag, showing just how seriously he is taking the challenge.
“I’ve been working hard to kind of put a bit of extra time in and just get myself a little bit more prepared for going away. I’ve already acclimatized myself to the American times. So, I am literally staying up late, waking up late just to try to set back the jetlag a little bit. There’s not much of a chance for when I go over there and it seems to have worked in past years when I’ve done it so I know it’ll work again.”
Bike preparation has also been high on his agenda.
“I’ve been changing a few things on the bike, working with CCM suspension, making the bike a little bit stiffer for some of the bigger jumps and bigger bumps. I’m highly excited for it and it’s good to be back on the TM as well – it’ll be my sixth MXoN racing the TM.”
Edmonds believes that with the combined strength of Barr and McCormick, Team Ireland have the ability to qualify directly for the A final and put in a strong overall performance.
“We’ve got a good team. Glenn’s been riding really well and Martin has been riding amazing. I’m looking forward to it, the main objective is to get into the A final and none of that B final stuff for us and get Team Ireland up into a top position again and put on a good show for the crowd.”
He also paid tribute to the supporters and sponsors who have made Ireland’s participation possible through donations.
“A big thank you to all the people that have donated, bought tickets in supporting the team to get across to the event. Also, a massive thanks to Mooney’s, 10 central group and the rest of the sponsors along with Martin and Richards efforts in making sure the team got across to compete in this event.”
The road ahead
The Irish trio will need to be at their very best to secure the results they are aiming for. But with Barr’s leadership, McCormick’s hunger, and Edmonds’ preparation, Team Ireland arrive with both experience and determination on their side.
Ahead of the 2025 event, the message from the Irish camp is clear: they are ready to give everything for the Irish jersey.
