Two British riders who took their chances in the Motocross of Nations and often came out with strong results are Paul Malin and James Dobb. While Dobb won a World 125cc Motocross Championship in 2001, it was Malin who led Team Great Britain to victory in the 1994 Motocross of Nations.

Malin remembers his day in the sun very well when he helped stop the 13 year13-year winning streak of the seemingly unbeatable Team USA line-up.



"I mean, nobody expected me to win my class. I know I was up against Jeff Emig, and he was the top 125cc guy in America at the time. We had a good pick of the gate on Sunday and that helped a lot. I came through and passed a lot of riders and I know when I crossed the finish line in both motos I was so concentrated. All I was busy with was that we did the best we could and if that meant winning, then that was what we would do."



Dobb might never have won the team event, but his individual results after meant he had a good weekend, finishing on the podium on a couple of occasions along the way.



"It's just a one of and it's so special," Dobb smiled. "I think it's the best sporting event in the World. My first des Nations I did in Gaildorf, Germany, in 1989 was pretty special; we got on the podium, so that was a great memory. Nismes in Belgium was good, I won my class and we got on the podium again. In Brazil we missed the podium, but I traded wins with Alessio "Chicco" Chiodi. I actually beat Ricky Carmichael in the heat race, which is funny, because I always remind him that he won a lot of stuff, but he never beat me on a 125cc bike.”



"Of course missing the Motocross des Nations in 1998 at Foxhills was a bummer for me. I didn't get picked and the rider who was picked in my place I had beaten most weekends, and beating him in the championship. That would have been a race I would have been the best guy, with the mud and everything."



"1986 in Italy was probably my favourite as a fan, because it was my first one and then probably Budds Creek in 2007. America is as big as Europe and if you took the best three from Europe up against the best three from America then you might have something. America come to win every year and it's all through hard work and everyone pulling together. A fan donating money to get them here and the patriotisms is great, a lot of people don't like it, but I love it."

Photo: James Dobb - Meyer image

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