The team from the United States of America – the defending champion nation from 2022 , when the MXoN was staged on what was home turf for them in Michigan – struggled in France and had to settle for eighth overall . “ Every year it ’ s the toughest motocross event in the world ,” said Team New Zealand manager Shayne King , the 1996 500cc motocross world champion , who also raced for New Zealand at the MXoN on 12 occasions and who was twice instrumental in putting Team New Zealand on the podium ( in 1998 and in 2001 ). “ This was the most amazing event I think we have been to . The crowd was just incredible ,” said King . “ Both [ co-manager ] Beval Weal and myself are proud of our whole team for digging deep and finishing 14th . The track was incredibly technical and demanding and it was a hot day also . “ It was fantastic to have the team finish where they did and we want to thank the motocross community / family in New Zealand for all the support .” The MXoN , also commonly referred to as “ The Olympic Games of Motocross ”, is a oneweekend affair that brings together the world ’ s elite like no other motocross event . The racers put aside the past season ’ s bitter
rivalries from domestic or world championship competitions and unite instead along different battle lines , with three-rider teams formed up to fly the flags of their respective homelands . The MXoN will next year be held in England , at Matterley Basin , near Winchester .
Cody Cooper
Cody Cooper
30 KIWI RIDER