Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin has had a rather forgettable year in his first season of racing in the US. He has been on fire, though, since coming back from injury, finishing on the podium at both Steel City and Pala. Look for him to be running up front in the MX2 class for Team France.
Gautier Paulin is riding in the MX3 class for Team France and is coming into the race with quite a bit of momentum after winning the final GP of the season in Italy last weekend.
Christophe Pourcel is Team France’s MX1 rider, but he wasn’t on the team until the very last minute when Steven Frossard got hurt. In spite of that, Pourcel is still a heavy favorite and expected to be running at the front of the class. If you ask most people here at the event, France has a very strong team this year. He also mentioned that he hasn't yet signed a deal to ride Grand Prix races next year.
Team France is looking to take home the Chamberlain Cup this weekend at their home event. France has always been a contender at the MXoN, but has only won the overall once back in 2001.
Team Belgium has been plagued with injuries this year, having to replace every original rider on the team with a different one. Team Manager Joel Smets commented during the press conference, “For us, it looks difficult, but maybe it will all go right.”
TAGS: blake baggett, dirt bikes, Monster energy, motocross, motocross des nations, Motocross of Nations, mx, mxdn, MXon, ryan dungey, world championships. ryan villopoto
