The current week in dirt bikes, presented by Thor MX Australia.
While still six weeks away, the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) is drawing increased excitement and anticipation. This is Motoview presented by Thor MX Australia on MotoOnline.com.au.
A number of countries in recent weeks have been announcing the squads that will represent their nation at this year’s MXoN at Assen in The Netherlands, with many of the big players – such as France, USA and Germany – already confirmed.
However, the three-rider squad that will make up Team Australia has sparked major conversation, domestically at least, across social channels.
Image: Supplied.
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve run several articles on MXoN team announcements, and even a feature on predictions for the green and gold, which has attracted an overwhelming amount of interest.
The main conversation is who exactly will make up Team Australia? Well, if history is anything to go by, all should be revealed in the next couple of weeks.
Australia has a good problem – there’s an abundance of highly talented riders who could deliver on the world stage. The main three guys being thrown around in conversation are the obvious ones – Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda), Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsport) and Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), however the trio are 250 riders.
Obviously, any one of them could pilot a 450 – we’ve all seen what Evans can do on a premier class machine, but, as suggested yesterday by former Australian Kirk Gibbs (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy), Beaton could be sitting this one out after an injury riddled 2019.
Image: Supplied.
So who will fill out the MX1 and Open seats? Well, recently crowned MX Nationals MX1 champion Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) says he’d like to see the opportunity go to a youthful local talent, such as teammate and dual Australian MX2 champion Wilson Todd – although he just adds to the problem, being a 250 rider also.
Three-time Australian champion Dean Ferris hasn’t declared or denied his interest in participating in MXoN after a whirlwind year, but he’s definitely a possibility, while Gibbs stated he’d go if the team was stuck for riders.
There are so many factors that go into choosing riders, such as ability, experience, equipment and logistics. It’s a lot to consider, and we’re as excited as anyone to see who is announced.
That’s it for this week, we’ll catch you next Wednesday with another Motoview presented by Thor MX Australia feature! In the meantime stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for the latest daily content and be sure to follow us on social media via @motoonline on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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