[Features]

MXGP INSIDER #28: USA PULLS OUT OF GP

9 years ago | Words: David Bulmer

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the MXGP Insider, penned by David Bulmer, presented by KTM Australia. 

So I guess my praise of the Americans showing up for the USGP in last week’s column was a little premature as it now looks likely that none of Team USA will actually show up at Glen Helen on Sept 19-20. Not only that but Ryan Dungey has now (predictably) pulled out of that race as well, after previously refusing to be a part of team that is hoping to win back the Chamberlain Trophy. Not racing the event is fair enough because it is a month away and if anyone deserves a break, it’s Ryan Dungey, as he has almost single-handily dragged USA to wins and podiums in the previous six outings, and then got hounded for a perceived lack of heart and desire afterwards. However, for him to make the comment to RacerX that the tracks aren’t good enough and the level of competition is sub-par just smacks of sour grapes and is almost unbelievable considering how politically correct Mr Dungey usually is. The fact that he references Ryan Villopoto’s transition and saying how he thought about doing it before, but now, definitely not, is just a weird combination that doesn’t really make much logical sense. Dungey’s lost to RV a lot, so to say that guys who beat RV aren’t good enough competition has understandably got the fanboys in a huff and will have no doubt annoyed a few riders and team personnel on this side of the Atlantic. Saying the tracks haven’t been good is a fair enough comment, but to slight the riders is very disrespectful.

Unfortunately, there probably won’t be too many Europeans riding that race either at this rate as Jordi Tixier and Kevin Strijbos have now been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury. For reigning MX2 champ Tixier, it’s a disappointing end to a disappointing season as he very well could have been successfully defending his title, were it not for some crashes and silly errors in judgement (the PC way of saying he hit an FIM doctor!). Strijbos’ year has been stop-start due to injury anyway, but he proved that when he was fit he was good enough to win GPs. And I’m sure Belgium now feel their slim chances of Nations success has now completely gone, with Desalle also on the sidelines.

Team Italy has also had to undergo a radical change because although Cairoli is in for the USGP, he won’t be riding the Nations. Instead, Italy’s team will be Samuele Bernardini, Michele Cervellin and Ivo Monticelli, – a definite nod to youth and development, although David Philippaerts has come out and said that he isn’t happy about not being asked to ride, despite coming back from injury recently. All this makes Team GB’s decision and controversy relatively straight-forward.

Back on track though and we head to a brand new venue this weekend at the famous Dutch road-racing circuit in Assen. Obviously this has re-opened old wounds about “man-made” tracks but the early photos look like it’ll be a typically Dutch sand affair, which honestly doesn’t require hills. Romain Febvre will be looking forward to it regardless because all he has to do is finish in front of fellow Frenchman Gautier Paulin and he’ll be crowned 2015 MXGP World Champion, and he’ll have thoroughly deserved all the plaudits he’ll no doubt receive.

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