MATTERLEY BASIN (Great Britain), 29 September 2017 – The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations presented by Fiat Professional started off today at the Matterley Basin circuit. The British venue was the host of the 2006 Motocross of Nations where epic racing occured creating vivid memories of the pristine event.

Now 11 years later the event was opened with a press conference in the Media Center here at Matterley Basin where Youthstream President, Mr. Giuseppe Luongo was joined on stage by FIM President Mr. Vito Ippolitoand FIM/CMS Director Mr. Tony Skillington. Following the introduction speeches from Mr. Luongo, Mr. Ippolito, and Mr. Skillington the riders and team managers from various countries took to the stage.

Giuseppe Luongo opened the Press Conference saying: “I think we will have a great event, a great event for not only the riders, teams, and all the participants but for the spectators alike. This event is so special and it will always be special because it is not only a motocross race, it is the race of the year, where the fans come from everywhere in the world to create a very good atmosphere and this is what makes our sport so great and unique.”

The word was then passed to Mr. Vito Ippolito who said: “I am happy and proud of this event organized by Youthstream in such a beautiful place with a very good local organizer.” Mr. Tony Skillington followed saying: “We are excited, we are ready, and we are really looking forward to a great Motocross of Nations here in Matterley Basin, one of the most spectacular motocross circuits on the planet.”

Shortly after the opening speeches the defending champions, Team France took to the stage with Gautier Paulin #1, Christophe Charlier #2, Romain Febvre #3 and the Team Manager Pascal Finot who appeared to feel good and relaxed. The team showed happiness to be racing the event, representing France and shooting for a fourth win in a row. Second last year after losing out by only 1 point and returning with same team of Glenn Coldenhoff #4, Brian Bogers #5, Jeffrey Herlings #6, and Team Manager Marcel Hartman was the Netherlands. Jeffrey Herlings said: “I think we have a really strong team and we have been training together and been friend for a long time and I think that as a team we are strong.”

Finishing on the podium in 2016 was Team USA and in 2017 they have a new team led by longtime team manager Roger De Coster of Cole Seely #7, Zach Osborne #8, and Thomas Covington #9. Roger De Coster said: “These guys responded very quick when I asked them if they would want to be on the team, they were really eager to go and I was really happy about that. I would like to be on the middle spot of the podium and I’m counting on these guys to do it, it has been a while since I have been on the spot and I’m hoping that they will take me back there.” Cole Seely speaking about the event: “After seeing the track I am really excited to experience a new format and new track. Me and my teammates are very excited to be here, we have a lot of heart and a lot of passion to bring home a really good result.” Osborne commented: “In my opinion this is one of the best tracks in the entire world and I think it is a great place to have this race.” While Covington stated: “I’m feeling really good and just like these guys are I’m excited to represent the United States.”

With last year’s top 3 teams finished the home Team of Great Britain with Max Anstie, Tommy Searle, Dean Wilson, and team manager Mark Chamberlain were welcomed to the stage. The Brits seemed confident with Mark Chamberlain and the rest of the team mentioning that they feel very capable of winning this weekend.

Team Belgium with Jeremy Van Horebeek, Brent Van doninck, Kevin Strijbos, and manager Joel Smets, Team Switzerland with Arnaud Tonus, Valentin Guillod, Jeremy Seewer, and manager Marc Ristori, Team Italywith Antonio Cairoli, Michele Cervellin, Alessandro Lupino, and Team Manager Thomas Traversini and Team Australia with Dean Ferris, Hunter Lawrence, Kirk Gibbs and Team Manager Gary Benn finished out the 8 teams that were presented.

The last big event of the day had an amazing atmosphere where the teams from all around the world were presented to the crowd at the Teams Presentation on the starting line. Hundreds of fans lined the barriers to cheer and show pride in their respective country’s teams.

The amazing and positive vibe given off today will surely continue into tomorrow’s qualifying races as the riders will first take to the track at 10 AM for MXGP Free Practice.

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SEGUITECI QUI!!!

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