The excitement has really started to mount in Kegums, Latvia, for the 68th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

While the climate is feeling very winter-like, cool and damp, there is still a warm ambience as the teams set up and prepare for what is the most exciting and paramount event of the year.

While the teams sorted their pit areas out and got the bikes off to technical control, the riders were out feasting their eyes on the battlefield known to the locals as ‘Zelta Zirgs’ before the first media opportunities of the weekend took place.

Just after lunch, the official Monster Energy athletes such as Gautier Paulin, Tommy Searle, Dean Wilson, Arnaud Tonus, and a few others attended the Monster Energy media opportunity, which took place in the Monster Energy rig.

It was a unique opportunity for the press to get last minute interviews, videos and pictures with the starts before race day cracks on and nerves creep in.

Around mid-afternoon, Youthstream president Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe president Dr. Wolfgang Srb and FIM/CMS director Tony Skillington held the welcome press conference where each of them expressed their excitement for this weekend.

“Welcome to another fantastic edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations,” Luongo said. “I want to welcome all the teams present, it’s very good with 34 nations here it just confirms the MXoN is the biggest, most interesting motocross event in the world.

“You can see the preparation of the entire venue and the track is fantastic and our partner here in Latvia has done a great job!”

Luongo then went on to confirm the next three editions of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will take place in Ernèe, France in 2015, Maggiora, Italy in 2016 and USA in 2017 with the location not yet confirmed.

Directly after the press conference the official team presentation for the highest ranked teams took place, teeing off with the defending champions, Team Belgium. Team USA followed as last years runners up, with the 2013 bronze medalist, Team Italy being the third team to take the stage.

Other teams in attendance were Team Australia, Team France, Team Great Britain, Team Germany, Team Switzerland, Team Russia and the local heroes Team Latvia.

“I feel really good, I am not stressed to ride with the number one plate. I like this track, I have ridden here a lot. I have won moto’s in the past here too so I feel really comfortable. Let the games begin!” Team Belgium’s Jeremy Van Horebeek said.

“I just have fun racing my dirt bike. I have never been over seas and I get to experience here riding with a bunch of new riders and learn and have fun so it’s gonna be awesome,” American rookie Jeremy Martin told.

Team Italy’s Antonio Cairoli said: “The coincidence that I can come here and race with number eight is amazing just when I have got my eighth FIM Motocross World title. I have to say it’s not so easy to go back to the MX2 bike because the gearing and everything is completely different, but I feel comfortable and my goal is to get on the podium with Team Italy.”

The other surprise MX2 rider, Team Great Britain’s Tommy Searle added: “I got back on a 250 after Mexico, I enjoy riding it and I feel like I’ve prepared well.”