Michael Byrne to assist 2014 Australian MXoN Team

Michael Byrne has long been a star, in both Australia and America. With a career spanning nearly 20 years, he has won races on both continents and earned a strong following for himself. Many of those years involved being on the Aussie Motocross of Nations team. The rider known as “Byrner” was always strong and dependable for his country. He took pride in the event and has travelled the globe defending the Green and Gold.

As he has suffered injuries in the past couple of seasons, he hasn’t been able to participate in the MXoN, as he did for so many years. This year, he hasn’t decided where his riding career is headed. He has been entertaining offers to race in the outdoor championship, but nothing is certain. Seeing an opportunity, the Aussie team has invited Michael to join them in their efforts in Latvia come this September as a consultant.

Michael has endless amounts of expertise on all things racing, evidenced by both Mike Alessi and the BTO Sports KTM team retaining his services thus far in 2014. His knowledge of riding technique and the specifics of improving one’s riding ability are top flight. As he works with these American teams, he can bring this same level of insight to his countrymen’s efforts later this year.

The MXoN is such a complex event, testing both teamwork and adaptability. The riders usually haven’t ridden the track previously, leaving plenty of margin for learning. The racing timetables, food varieties, sleep patterns, and language barriers all can wreak havoc on a rider’s mind and routine. Byrner has loads of experience dealing with all of these variables and his advice is simply invaluable. With his sterling reputation and respect amongst the paddock, the riders will listen to his thoughts instead of the usual droning of team personnel.

He can make a real difference in the team’s chances, and not many changes can claim the same importance. This involvement is a brilliant move, in my opinion, and hopefully will be a long standing partnership between Australia and Byrne.