Team Italy MXON Announcement

Industry AP

Team Italy MXON Announcement

KEGUMS (LATVIA), 27 June 2009 – At the end of the opening day of the Latvian Grand Prix Italy announced their squad taking part in the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations with Cairoli, Philippaerts and Guarneri set for a home appearance at Franciacorta on October 4.

Cairoli, Philippaerts and Guarneri in for Red Bull FIM MXoN victory

This year’s Team Italy for the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations, happening on October 4 at the squad’s home track Franciacorta, will be composed of World Champions Antonio Cairoli and David Philippaerts, both onboard the 450cc Yamaha’s, with GP winner and Yamaha fellow rider Davide Guarneri completing the three men line up onboard the 250cc machine as this squad recalls the 2007 line up.

While Cairoli is now leading the MX1 World Championship right ahead of last year’s Champion Philippaerts, Guarneri is holding the third spot in the MX2 series with the result being currently his best Championship position ever. Six rounds remain before the end of the 2009 season, including also tomorrow’s Latvian GP marking the MX1/MX2 series’ maiden appearance in the country, and Italy has the chance of entering the event with two World Champions to celebrate the Red Bull FIM MXoN’s comeback to the country after 23 years.

In the press conference presented by coach Andrea Bartolini, the former 500cc World Champion who was part of Team Italy during both the squad’s MXoN wins in 1999 and 2002, two reserve riders were announced, with the duo being made of current MX3 World Title contender Alex Salvini on the 450cc Husqvarna and the second best Italian in the MX2 World Championship Manuel Monni, again on Yamaha.

Again Team Italy will be wearing the “Maglia Azzurra” jersey during the event, with the blue outfit distinguishing the national athletes representing Italy at international competitions.