DeCOSTER TALKS MXoN | Bikesportnz

Team USA’s Motocross of Nations team manager Roger DeCoster speaks about his hopes for this year’s event.

Even though the 2013 MXoN isn’t until the end of September, it’s never too early to start preparing, something that Team USA knows, especially after losing the title to Germany last year in the deep sands of Lommel.

After the recent National at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah, it was announced that Ryan Dungey, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac will represent the United States this year in Germany.

Ryan Villopoto, who will undergo surgery to remove a bone spur in his left ankle after the Red Bull Lake Elsinore National, will miss the historic event. Team manager Roger DeCoster offered his thoughts on the 2013 MXoN shortly after the team was officially announced.

Q: You’ve put together a pretty powerful team this year.

Roger DeCoster: It’s a very special race. It’s probably my favourite race of the year. I really feel like we will be going over there with very good riders that really want to represent the nation. It’s amazing that these guys can be all year racing against each other so hard and they hate each other and they want to beat each other so bad, and then you go to Europe and then they’re best buddies. I really feel fortunate that our riders are that good at putting the season behind. I think that will be an advantage for them.

Q: Is it hard for you to separate Roger DeCoster the Red Bull KTM team manager from Roger DeCoster the Team USA manager for Motocross of Nations?

RDC: I feel a little bit weird going to Germany. The Germans beat us last year and Ken was the main guy on that team. So now we’re going to his home country, actually very close to where he’s from, close to his hometown.

Q: How are you received in Belgium, being from Belgium and having raced for their team, but managing Team USA?

RDC: The first year in Lommel, the first time that we won [in 1981], I had guys pushing me and wanting to fight and all that. I actually had to punch a guy to leave me alone. It was kind of weird. Over the years, I have been in the US for so long now, that I like to see Belgium do well but I want my team, the American team, to win.

Q: What class will Ken Roczen be racing?

RDC: Ken has the choice to ride whatever he wants. He can ride the 250, 350, 450, whenever he chooses.

Q: In regards to Red Bull KTM, you have Roczen, Ryan Dungey and Marvin Musquin for next year. Will there be a fourth?

RDC: No. Unless Villopoto wants to come and join us!

The 2013 Motocross of Nations takes place on 29th September in Teutschenthal, Germany – and we’ll be bringing you all the action right here on BikesportNZ.com.

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