Team USA all set to take on the world at Motocross of Nations in France this weekend
After a year full of exciting motocross action and drama, the entire focus of the American motocross fans has turned to the 65th anniversary of Motocross of Nations that is scheduled to kick off this weekend, September 17 to 18, in Saint Jean
D’Angely, France.
A total of 35 countries will send their teams, comprising of three riders, to the biggest motocross event of the year in a battle for prestige and honour. However, there is one country that is getting far more attention than the rest of the field, USA.
Team USA has been one of the most dominant competitors in Motocross of Nations since 1981 with a record number of victories, i.e. 21. Once again, it would be the American representatives against the entire world as they look to continue their world domination.
This year, America is sending the 2011 AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto to the battle arena, along with team-mates Ryan Dungey and Blake Baggett, to bring the title to the American soil for the seventh year in a row and assert their dominance in the
sport.
Villopoto, who rides for Monster Energy Kawasaki, has been nothing short of exceptional this season. Not only did he dominate the AMA Supercross Championship this year, he continued to remain impressive during the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
as well, though he failed to clinch the top honours.
However, the way Villopoto rode during the recently concluded championship leaves absolutely no doubts about his excellent form. He seems to be more than ready to take on the best riders from across the globe head on.
Dungey is making a return to Team USA once again to represent his country in France. Last year, he teamed up with Trey Canard and Andrew Short to bring the title home. A quick glance at his performance this year makes it easy to understand why he has been
selected to represent his nation once again. After finishing in Top 5 at AMA Supercross Championship, Dungey really stepped up his game at Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series and eventually managed to walk away with top honours for the second year in a row.
The Suzuki-rider is indeed in top form and is expected to make a real solid impact at the upcoming mega-event.
Talking to a reporter a few days back, Dungey said, "This is a really good team with Ryan Villopoto and Blake Baggett. To go with that, we have a great group of people behind us. We all know how to work together, and we're building a great partnership -
that's what it takes to do well at this event."
Bagget is the third member of Team USA. The young rider has been making waves in the 250-class races this year and definitely seems like the most appropriate choice to represent America at the world stage.
Belgian Roger DeCoster has once again taken the responsibility of leading Team USA as Team Manager. Of the 21 Motocross of Nations trophies that Team USA has lifted, all but one happened under the management of DeCoster. Despite the excellent track record,
the Belgian remains modest and credits the rider for the success of the Team.
The chances for the Team USA are looking extremely good as they get ready to face the 97 riders from 34 nations this weekend in France for their 22nd Motocross of Nations title.
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