The 2012 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is just a few weeks away and the whole Motocross World is starting to look forward to finishing out the season at the tough sand track in Lommel, Belgium.

Team Italy rider Antonio Cairoli knows the pressure of racing this event, and it's not an even that has always been kind to him.

"I've always had mixed races at the Motocross of Nations," Cairoli said. "Sometimes I do well in one moto and then bad in another. It's often my own mistake, so I can't complain. I mean, in 2006 at Matterley Basin I liked that weekend, also in America in Colorado I did well, getting a second place to Dungey in one moto, but the other race I didn't do that well, and crashed I a lot. In Italy I won a moto and then crashed in a moto, so it's always difficult for me at that race."

Last year at the MXoN in France Jeffrey Herlings led home Ryan Villopoto in one moto and really looked strong. Now coming to Lommel the Dutchman can't wait to get there and battle the best riders in the World.

"I don't want to sound cocky," Herlings said. "I just want to go and try and do the best I can. I would love to get a good start and I know Dungey and Antonio (Cairoli) will be the two toughest guys, so I would like to beat them or race with them. I think Lommel is really a tough circuit, bigt holes and very difficult. Its sand and I love sand, so I look forward to that race very much."

A man in the best form of his life is Ken De Dycker. The Team Belgium rider has a big chance to help Belgium win their first Motocross of Nations since 2004.

"I think Belgium has a great chance," De Dycker said. "It's a big race for us at home and we can all ride sand. I hope Clement's hand injury is better by then, but with him, myself and Jeremy (Van Horebeek) we have a good chance to do really well, maybe be the team to take it to Team USA."

Whatever happens in Lommel on September 30 these three riders will be a major part of the action and while Team USA come as the defending Champions, their team riders have never seen anything like Lommel, with its deep ruts and rough layout. Wwe might see something special from the American's, but we might also see their six year winning tally come to an end.

Photo: Jeffrey Herlings - Ray Archer image

Read the next news: Official Entry list of the 2012 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (03 Sep 2012)

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