Team Australia’s hopes of a strong finish at the 2014 FIM Motocross of Nations were dashed in a drama-packed final moto that saw Chad Reed and Matt Moss crash out of contention on the opening lap.

TwoTwo Motorsports owner/rider Reed was involved in a scary start-straight incident out of the gates, bracing on track himself before soon gingerly walking off the track unaided and out of the event.

Moments later Moss (already battling a tender shoulder from Saturday) was ejected from his factory Motul-backed Suzuki, also eventually finding his feet before returning to the pits and bowing out of the moto and event in a devastating conclusion for the green and gold.

It spelt a disastrous finish for the Aussies in a trying weekend at Kegums, which saw the team eventually credited 14th overall. Prior to the final moto they sat seventh despite glitches in the opening motos.

Team Australia’s top performer overall was newly-crowned national MX2 champion Luke Clout in a glowing international debut, finishing with 22-21 results (9-8 of the 250s) and eighth best overall in the MX2 ranks.

Reed experienced difficulties earlier in the opening MXGP moto and was also reportedly lucky to finish that one on his way to 14th, while Open class entry Moss was 15th in his first showing during race two – his highlight coming in a mid-moto duel with American 250 champion Jeremy Martin.

The 68th edition of the iconic MXoN event was won by France from Belgium and USA. Full report is available on MotoOnline.com.au by clicking here.

Australian results rundown:
Race one (MXGP+MX2) – Chad Reed (MXGP) 14th; Luke Clout (MX2) 22nd
Race two (MX2+Open) – Matt Moss (Open) 15th; Clout 21st
Race three (Open+MXGP) – Moss DNF/36th; Reed DNF/38th