The Junior World Championship, reserved for the 65cc, 85cc, and 125cc classes, will see Italy go head-to-head with riders from 37 other countries. The Azzurri, expected to be among the main contenders, will face off against top teams such as France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, and the United States, as well as squads from across the globe. Among others: Chile, Madagascar, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
On Wednesday, 17th June, the nine riders selected to wear the Azzurri jersey took part in an intense training day in Mantova. Representing Italy in the world team competition, under the guidance of Technical Commissioner Alessandro Lupino, will be:
125cc
Nicolò Alvisi – Born in Bologna, 31 August 2009. Bike: KTM. Club: AMX
Niccolò Mannini – Born in Siena, 7 July 2008. Bike: TM. Club: Fermignanese
Filippo Mantovani – Born in La Spezia, 5 March 2008. Bike: KTM. Club: Bonanni
85cc
Francesco Assini – Born in Brescia, 11 August 2011. Bike: GasGas. Club: Berbenno
Tommaso D’Amico – Born in Brescia, 30 December 2011. Bike: KTM. Club: MCV Motorsport
Pietro Riganti – Born in Varese, 22 April 2012. Bike: Husqvarna. Club: Gorlese
65cc
Daniel Corda – Born in Monserrato (CA), 19 April 2014. Bike: KTM. Club: Xtreme
Brando Danesi – Born in Segrate (MI), 20 April 2013. Bike: Husqvarna. Club: Fiamme Oro Milano
Nicolò Fratacci – Born in La Spezia, 5 August 2014. Bike: KTM. Club: Verolese
Also part of the squad will be Minicross Coordinator Andrea Bartolini and the category-specific technical staff: Cristian Beggi (125cc), Massimo Beltrami (85cc), and Stefano Barbieri (65cc).
This year, Italian riders have been standing out individually both in the Italian Junior MX Championship and in international events. Alvisi, Mannini, and Mantovani currently sit 1st, 3rd, and 5th respectively in the EMX125 Championship. The young Azzurri riders in the 85cc and 65cc categories are set to compete in the semifinals of the South-East and South-West EMX zones. For all of them, the Junior MX World Championship represents not only a great opportunity to shine, but more importantly, to gain valuable international experience.
For the final team standings at the Junior MX World Championship, the best result from each country in each category will be considered. Points will be awarded based on finishing positions, and the team ranking will be calculated accordingly. Additionally, individual World Champions will be crowned in each class.
Alessandro Lupino, Technical Commissioner:
“On Wednesday we were in Mantova for a training session that proved very productive. We focused on technical aspects, but more importantly, we worked on building team spirit and reviewed all the key elements of a youth team event. I’m confident because the boys are motivated and proud to wear the Azzurri jersey. The Junior Motocross World Championship will be far from easy: there are some very strong riders and, as we know, at this level there are always new talents ready to impress. We will give it our all in every aspect, and we have extra motivation since the event awards both team world titles and individual class titles.”
