News 19 Aug 2013

Dungey, Barcia and Tomac announced for Team USA at 2013 MXoN

Ryan Dungey, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac will make up Team USA when the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is contested at Teutschenthal in Germany on 28-29 September.

Team USA will consist of Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia and Ryan Dungey in 2013. Image: Simon Cudby.

Team USA will consist of Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia and Ryan Dungey in 2013. Image: Simon Cudby.

Ryan Dungey, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac will make up Team USA when the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is contested at Teutschenthal in Germany on 28-29 September.

It was previously confirmed that new 450 Class national champion Ryan Villopoto has been sidelined, scheduled to undergo ankle surgery post-season (click here for more).

Long-time team manager Roger DeCoster will again return to manage the all-star team in its quest to reclaim the coveted MXoN winner’s trophy.

“The strength for the Americans is that everybody always works together as a team,” said DeCoster, who himself competed in numerous Motocross of Nations in the 1960s and 1970s. “Often, that is not the case for other teams, where the 250 guy often tries to prove he’s better than the 450 guy or vice versa.

“Another of our strengths is our fans. The American fans are very much behind this race. For me, personally, this is my favorite event of the year, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dungey, who returns for his fifth time to the FIM Motocross of Nations, said he is thrilled for the opportunity.

“I’m excited and obviously it’s an honor,” said Dungey. “Last year was a little rough, but this year will be better. We’re all pretty good riders. We all work hard, we all get along and we’re on the same page seeking a world team title. We’ll work together and push each other and bring it, and if we can do that I think we’ll win back the title this year.”

Barcia, who was a rookie in 2012, said he’s more confident now with a year of experience competing at the MXoN.

“Last year I learned a lot and the experience will be huge for me this year,” Barcia said. “I also have a lot more experience riding a 450 now, and that will be to my advantage because last year I didn’t have much experience on that bike.

“I think it’s awesome to represent my country, and our expectation is to win. We have a really strong team this year and we have a very good chance to bring back the trophy.”

New 250 Class American champion Tomac said he is thrilled to be on the 2013 FIM Motocross of Nations team and is ready for the challenge.

“The Motocross of Nations is one of the most prestigious things to do in our sport and any rider in the USA would be proud to represent their country,” Tomac said. “I’m super excited to go there, and I’m going to give it my best.

“Since it’s my first time, I think I will have a lot of pressure to do well, but it’s going to be a fun thing to do and represent. I’ll give it my all. I feel like I’m riding my best and that I can do well for the team.”

In Germany this year, Dungey will race MX1, Barcia will race Open, and Tomac will compete in MX2.

The United States last won the FIM Motocross of Nations in 2011 when the event was held in Saint Jean D’Angely, France. They are the all-time leader in MXoN overall team victories with 22.

Recent