Davide Guarneri will replace David Philippaerts in the Italian team at the 2011 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in France next month.

The Motocross of Nations is set for Saint Jean d’Angely, France, on September 18 and the Italians are traditionally front-runners at this “Olympic Games of Motocross”.

Guarneri is no stranger to racing in this event. He represented Italy at the MXoN in his native Italy in 2009. On that occasion he finished 16th and 37th in his two MX2 class outings.

He also represented his country at the Motocross of Nations at Budd’s Creek in the United States in 2007, finishing 15th and 16th in his two Open class races.

He raced for Italy at the MXoN in Ernee, France, in 2005, managing 19th and 37th in his two MX2 class races.

The call-up for Guarneri has been necessary because of the injury Philippaerts suffered on August 2 while he was training in Germany getting ready for the Czech GP.

The 2008 FIM MX1 World Champion injured both wrists and he has to be off the bike at least for two months. Team Italy now comprises Antonio Cairoli in the MX1 class, Alessandro Lupino in MX2 and Guarneri in the Open class.

The FMI has also made official the team which will represent Italy in the upcoming UEM European Motocross of Nations, which will take place in Sevlievo, Bulgaria, on October 9. Manuel Monni will bring his experience to the team and he will ride in the MX1 class, Simone Zecchina in the MX2 and Samuele Bernardini in the Open class.

Thomas Traversini will be the responsible to guide the national Italian team in both competitions, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations and the UEM European Motocross of Nations.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com