Despite it being another two months before the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is played out at the Lommel circuit in Belgium on September 30, several nations are starting to talk about possible rider line-ups.

Entering the event several teams already have strong rider representation.



Defending Champions Team USA has a number of riders injured, but still they can produce a great result with their current crop of available riders. Leading the race for a place on Team USA is Ryan Dungey. The Red Bull KTM Factory rider is leading the 450cc class Championship in America and he is a sure bet to be picked as the MX1 rider. Also in line for a spot on the team are the 250cc riders Blake Baggett, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac. Other names being put forward are James Stewart and Mike Alessi.



Team Belgium are the home team for the event and like Team USA they have more than enough riders to fill the team. Clement Desalle, Ken De Dycker and Kevin Strijbos on the MX1 class and Jeremy Van Horebeek and Joel Roelants in the MX2 class are all possible selections. All can ride sand and all are in good form at the moment, so a possible home victory is not out of the question.



Team France has a big selection of riders, with Christophe Pourcel, Gautier Paulin, Xavier Boog and if he can get fit Steven Frossard hasare a big chance in the MX1 and MX3 classes. Former World MX2 champion Marvin Musquin is the tip for the MX2 class.



With Tommy Searle in good form Team Great Britain will be hoping they can make the podium in 2012. Also possible riders for the team are Max Anstie, Shaun Simpson and Mel Pocock. It’s nearly sure Searle will race in the MX1 class or MX3  leavingMX3, leaving the door open for Anstie and Simpson to possible fill the other two places.



A big surprise in the deep sand of Lommel might be The Netherlands. This team will be led by the fastest sand rider in the World Jeffrey Herlings, but then you can add the in form Marc De Reuver and Glenn Coldenhoff to that list. Both were in top form in Latvia last weekend with Coldenhoff finishing fourth overall in MX2 and De Reuver 12th overall in MX1. Everyone knows that an in form De Reuver can do great results in the sand.



Several teams like Team Australia, Team Italy and Team New Zealand are awaiting injured riders to come back. Chad Reed wants to race, but needs to get fit, and Ben Townley would be the perfect rider to line up for Team New Zealand with his good buddy Josh Coppins and Cody Cooper, all good sand riders.



Antonio Cairoli will have a tough time to help Team Italy make the podium, as the injury to David Philippaerts means Team Italy will probably go with Davide Guarneri in the MX3 class. Cairoli hasn’t had the best of luck in the MXoN events recently, but he loves Lommel and everyone expects him to take it to the American riders.



 

Photo: Ken De Dycker - Christophe Desmet image

Read the next news: Antonio Cairoli interview – Crashes and Red Plates (18 Jul 2012)

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