Team United States of America will wear the numbers 13, 14 and 15 for the upcoming Motocross of Nations at the Assen TT Circuit, in the Netherlands on September 28-29.
That is when they will be hoping to extend their record for MXoN wins, chasing victory No.23 at this “Olympics of Motocross.”
Jason Anderson will captain the team, riding in the MXGP class, where he’ll carry the No.13 on his Husqvarna in what will be his second MXoN appearance.
He’s amassed yet another solid US nationals season, anchored by four podium finishes, including his most recent at Budds Creek, in Maryland.
For Justin Cooper (Yamaha) this will be his first trip to the MXoN, competing in the MX2 class on the heels of a breakout summer in the US nationals, a season in which he earned his first career win and secured third in the final 250 Class championship standings. He’ll carry the No.14.
Third team member Zach Osborne (Husqvarna) will also represent the US for the second time in Assen, ready to go bar-to-bar against the world’s elite in the Open class as rider No.15.
Osborne has enjoyed a stellar rookie 450 class season this summer, where he’s earned five podium results and even claimed a moto win at Southwick.
The Americans have not won at the MXoN since France in 2011 and they are determined to bounce back from their recent humbling defeats.
They were beaten in the deep sand of Belgium in 2012, the off-cambers of Germany in 2013, in Latvia in 2014, in France in 2015, in Italy in 2016, in England in 2017 and again last year, on their own turf in Michigan.
After a joyous run of seven consecutive wins from 2005 until 2011, losses over the past seven consecutive seasons have been bitter pills to swallow for the Americans.
With a record 22 MXoN crowns to their credit over the past 30 years, there’s no reason to suggest the men in the stars and stripes colours won’t be among the favourites in The Netherlands on September 28-29, but the pressure to perform will be high.
The Dutch are obvious favourites to win this year on their own sandy turf, on the infield at the Assen road-racing facility, while the French, MXoN winners for the past five seasons, will also rate among the favourites.
Significant emphasis has been placed on the riders’ approach to this year’s MXoN.
In an effort to ensure they’re as competitive as possible in the sands of Assen, all three riders will travel overseas to spend an extended period acclimating to the type of racing surface they’ll see in the Netherlands, which is far different than anything else that exists on home soil.
Moreover, all three riders will work closely with one another to refine their setups and riding techniques, with the goal of being serious contenders for the main MXoN prize, the Chamberlain Cup, challenging the likes of the reigning five-year champion team, France, and what is sure to be a stout home team in The Netherlands.
Photo courtesy Pro Motocross
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