2014 MXoN: Team Australia

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced the riders who will represent Team Australia at the 2014 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Latvia. Australia will send a three-man team to compete against the best MXers in the world when the Kegums circuit plays host to the MXoN on September 27-28.

Chad Reed will once again don the green and gold in the MX1 class. Reed has made a return from injury in the 2014 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series and will be at full-strength come September. The MX2 rider will be Dean Ferris, who has been filling the MXGP spot left vacant by fellow Australia’s Todd Waters in the Red Bull Husqvarna IceOne Racing team. Ferris had a solid MXoN outing for Australia last year with two top five finishes. Rounding out the trio of Australians competing in Latvia is Matt Moss, who has arguably been the performer of the season and currently holds a commanding 40-point lead in the MX1 class. Moss will represent Australia in the Opens category.

Kirk Gibbs has been named the 450 class reserve, and Luke Clout has been named the 250 class reserve.

Team Manager, Gary Benn, is confident in three-man team announced by Motorcycling Australia.

“The Australian team for the MXoN in Latvia of Chad Reed, Dean Ferris and Matt Moss, I feel, is a very strong team,” said Benn. “All three riders have a lot of international experience. Both Chad and Matt have stood on the podium at the MXoN before and Dean’s great ride last year should put Australia in a strong position this year in Latvia.”

This year, Benn will be assisted in managing the team during the MXoN by Michael Byrne.

“I feel really honoured to be asked to help MA and Team Australia for MXoN in Latvia this year.” Byrne said of his appointment. “I believe we have a solid team with a good shot at being on the podium again. I’m looking forward to working with and helping Chad, Dean and Matt at the race to get Australia a great result.”

Benn said he’s grateful of the addition of Byrne to the team and is looking forward to Byrne’s wealth of experience he will bring to the Australian camp.

“The addition of Michael Byrne to the team has been a great help to me leading up to the race, but more importantly with his vast experience at an international and MXoN level, he will be of great assistance to the riders on race weekend.” Benn said. “All this would not be possible with out the growing support from MA and their staff”.

Australia placed fourth last year in Belgium and will hope to improve to a podium finish in 2014.