2014 MXoN: MXGP/MX2 Results

Live updates from the 2014 Motocross of Nations in Kegums, Latvia, penned by Transmoto’s man on the ground in Europe, Jason “JT$” Thomas… All images shot by Aussie enduro legend and long-time friend of Transmoto, Geoff Ballard… 

Moto one is in the books! Cloudy skies in Latvia didn’t keep the action from burning bright. The MX1/MX2 class was up first, featuring each country’s best.

Aleksandr Tonkov jumped out to another holeshot with Germany’s Max Nagl, American Ryan Dungey and France’s Gautier Paulin in tow. Dungey and Paulin would jump ahead of Nagl quickly and set off after the Russian Tonkov. Belgium’s Jeremy Van Horebeek held down the final spot in the top five as this crew set a blistering pace out front. Paulin would end up passing to the lead at around the halfway mark and set a comfortable pace that no one could challenge. Dungey would safely arrive in second place, just in front of Nagl. Van Horebeek nipped Tonkov just before the penultimate lap securing fourth for Belgium and a fifth for Team Russia.

Australia’s Chad Reed would start right around the 15th spot and hold that for the majority of the race. He would ride hard, though, and eventually bring home a 14th place score for his Aussie teammates. Luke Clout would suffer a poor start with his far outside gate position and rounded the first few laps near the 30th spot. Clout never slowed and by race end was up into the 22nd spot.

Antonio Cairoli was moving through the pack on his Red Bull KTM 250SX-F until a big crash sidelined the eight-time World Champion. He would re-mount but retire early. His knee was tweaked in the crash but is already in preparations for the next moto. He will be going all out to win the next go round, for sure.

The track is becoming an absolute minefield for the riders with two more motos remaining. Up next will be the MX2/Open classes and with that a quick turn-around for the injured Jeremy Martin and Tony Cairoli. Martin’s 11th in the first moto wasn’t ideal but after a massive crash on Saturday, it was surely better than what most anticipated. The Open class will feature the likes of Matt Moss, Eli Tomac, Kevin Strijbos, Dean Wilson, Steven Frossard and more.

As of now the points are as follows:

France: 10 points
USA: 13 points
Belgium: 19 points
Great Britain: 21 points
Russia: 23 points
Germany: 31 points
Australia: 36 points