Slaw
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I have heard enough slander about this year’s Motocross of Nations.
“Oh, there aren’t enough stars.”
“Oh, it’s on too early.”
“Oh, Team USA can’t win, so I’m not going to watch.”
We, as a collective—from the Playoffs to MXoN to tracks to basically everything—have lost our sense of just enjoying things. Will this be the greatest Motocross of Nations ever? It might. Might it suck and be boring? Could happen.
Either way, I will be up bright and early Sunday morning to watch it all unfold. Because THIS is why we watch. We have absolutely no idea what is going to happen. Except, of course, for the fact that MY GUTS Power Rankings will 100 percent hold true.
5: Belgium
Lucas Coenen | MXGP
Sacha Coenen | MX2
Liam Everts | Open
If Lucas Coenen were 100%, they would be my favorites. But, I don’t think he is. He’s dealt with injury issues for the latter half of the year and I think they need him 100% to win. Liam Everts will be steady and Sacha… well who knows. Could be very good. Could crash. Too many unknowns with this team for me to have them ranked super high.
4: USA
Julien Beaumer | MXGP
Levi Kitchen | MX2
Cooper Webb | Open
USA gonna USA? Seems to be the case every year. The biggest country can’t seem to get it together. But, that is not the riders fault. Credit to Cooper Webb, Levi Kitchen and Julien Beaumer for answering the bell under less than ideal circumstances. Beaumer is jumping up to a 450 with less than a week prep, Webb is riding an all-new motorcycle, and Kitchen is coming off two high-pressure title fights and still making the trip.
I hope they can pull off a miracle, but it’s going to be hard.
3: Spain
Jorge Prado | MXGP
Guillem Farres | MX2
Francisco Garcia | Open
I may regret having them here, but losing Rubén Fernández I think spells the end of their chances to earn their first victory.
Prado and Farres (who is coming off an MX2 title) are stalwarts. They will carry the team. The question is: how capable is Francisco Garcia on a 450?
Talent is not the question. He is coming off an EMX250 title run, he showcased well here in his few Pro Motocross attempts this summer, but jumping on to the 450 may be too big of an ask to take down who I have ahead of this team.
I do think Spain’s time—depending on health—is coming very soon, though.
2: The Netherlands
Roan Van de Moosdijk | MXGP
Glenn Coldenhoff | MX2
Jeffrey Herlings | Open
Having Jeffrey Herlings is a cheat code. If he rides anywhere near where he did in MXGP, go ahead and pencil him in for a 1-1 performance.
Losing Kay de Wolf is what I think will cost them the win. Glenn Coldenhoff is a beast at this race, don’t get me wrong, but he hasn’t ridden a 250 since I don’t know when, and only raced professionally in Brazil this year. The Hoff has shocked us at this race before and he may well do it again, but hard to pick against the home team here.
1: France
Romain Febvre | MXGP
Mathis Valin | MX2
Tom Vialle | Open
At home. Two veterans leading the charge. They have to be the favorites. But, like every other country, they have a question mark. Mathis Valin hasn’t raced since June due to injury. If he was coming in 100% full race mode, I think this might be a cake walk, but after such a long layoff, how will he perform?
He’s plenty fast—he won the MXGP of Germany this year–there is no question there, but he’ll need to put in at least one strong performance for the French to win again. Which, obviously, I think he will considering I have them #1.
The French, again, this weekend.
