The best riders from 35 countries will be heading to St. Jean D'Angely in France this weekend for the 65th Motocross of Nations to fight for the historic Chamberlain Trophy. The American team will be heading into this year's MXoN as the defending champion, a position that they've grown used to over the years.
Ryan Dungey will lead the charge for the American team. Dungey, who recently announced that he will be leaving Suzuki, will try to end his relationship with the Japanese manufacturer on a high note this weekend by bringing the United States its 7th consecutive title. Dungey has been a part of two of the United States' 22 Motocross of Nations titles and will be going for crown number three this weekend.
"This is a really good team with Ryan Villopoto and Blake Baggett," Dungey said. "We have a great group of people behind us. We all know how to work together, and we're building a great partnership - that's what it takes to do well at this event."
Despite Dungey's impeccable record at the Motocross of Nations, he might not be the team's star. Ryan Villopoto, who captured both the 2011 Motocross and 2011 Supercross championships, will be racing in the MX Open class. Villopoto has been a top rider in the United States for the last several years, but injuries have prevented him from taking part in the MXoN.
"I'm really happy to be back on the team after being injured the past two years," Villopoto said. "It was hard to watch and not be able to have the chance to race the event. As long as we all go out there and ride how we've been riding this season, I think we have a great shot at winning."
Blake Baggett, who will race in the MX2 class, will round out the USA Team.
Team America has plenty of on-bike talent, but the team really gets an edge in the management department. Hall of famer Roger De Coster will be guiding the US team this weekend.
"This is an awesome team," De Coster said. "The two Ryans are quite dominant. What else can you say about them?"
The Americans have done very well at the Motocross of Nations that last few years, but that doesn't mean that the competition won't be stiff this weekend. International stars like Antonio Cairoli, the 2011 MX1 champion, will make it difficult for the US team to claim their 7th title.
