TEAM USA FOR THE MXDN: NO DUNGEY, NO STEWART, NO VILLOPOTO

On Aug 9, 2015 Last updated Aug 9, 2015

Team USA for 2015 has been selected, and while no one is surprised that Ryan Dungey has decided not to compete, the all-Yamaha squad has a bit of underdog built into it. With one first-timer and two one-timers. Americans Justin Barcia, Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb are this year’s team. Although the team has little international experience, with only Barcia and Martin having been to the MXDN once each in the past, the choice is solid. Especially given the James Stewart hasn’t raced this year (his doping ban expires on Wednesday morning), Ryan Villopoto called it quits mid-season, Trey Canard has only raced twice since his Supercross accident, Ryan Dungey doesn’t want to go. Ken Roczen, currently third in 450 points, is German, Marvin Musquin, currently second in 250 points, is French. Blake Baggett, who raced several MXDN’s in the 250 class, has been inconsistent in the 450 Nationals as of late and Eli Tomac is out with shoulder surgery.

Roger DeCoster will once again manage the team, even though none of his KTM riders are on Team USA. Roger raced on six victorious Motocross des Nations teams in the 1960s and ’70s and the five-time 500cc World Motocross Champion has been the team manager most of the time since he first guide Team USA to its inaugural victory back in 1981.

The AMA’s Kevin Crowther said, “This year’s team includes an incredibly talented group of athletes. Although the French team will be tough competition on their home turf, our riders are more than capable of capturing the world championship under the expert coaching of Roger DeCoster. Without a doubt, Justin, Jeremy and Cooper will put forth a world-class effort to reclaim the top step of the podium for America.”

The Motocross des Nations consists of three-man teams racing three motos—with the best 5 out of 6 scores counting. Team USA last won the Motocross des Nations in 2011 (the last time the event was held in France). The United States is the all-time leader in FIM Motocross of Nations overall team victories with 22.