--press release--

Weather: sunny
Temperature: 26.3°C
Length of the track: 1562 meters
Attendance: 20000

The 59th edition of the Motocross of Nations has already enjoyed a great success, with more than 20000 spectators cheering their favourites alongside the track of Ernée. They all enjoyed their trip, followed nice battles during the qualifying races, and confirmed that the Motocross of Nations is definitively the greatest Motocross event in the world.

Finn Antti Pyrhonen grabbed the holeshot in the MX1 qualifying race, but Michael Pichon promptly passed Stefan Everts, Julien Bill and Pyrhonen to lead the race. Supported by most of the crowd Pichon did his best but couldn't resist to Ricky Carmichael who passed him in the fifth circulation and won the race. Everts finished in third position behind Pichon, while them Antonio Cairoli finally won the battle against Billy Mackenzie, Julien Bill and Brian Jorgensen. Joshua Coppins and Marc De Reuver both involved in a pile-up at the start ended respectively sixteenth and eighteenth.

The MX2 race was probably the most exciting of the day, with Portuguese Joachim Rodrigues as first leader. Third behind Andrew McFarlane in the opening laps Sébastien Tortelli passed the Australian in the fourth lap and then reduced the gap with the leader. When he took the leadership in the seventh circulation, the crowd stand-up to cheer him. But the race was not over in the pack! Steve Ramon more aggressive than ever for his return in this class was one of the main contenders, coming back from twelve to third position! He beats Ivan Tedesco, who crashed when he was fourth and fight hard to finally score the fourth place followed by McFarlane, Nunn and Guarneri. Tyla Rattray ended the race only ninth, with some technical problems on his bike.

Sébastien Tortelli wo the MX2 qualifying race for his come back in Europe

Kevin Strijbos and Javier Garcia Vico grabbed the holeshot in the Open class, and led the race during two laps. Third in the opening lap Ben Townley came in the lead two laps later and then had to control Kevin Windham to collect his first win at the Nations. David Vuillemin came back from ninth to fourth position, followed by David Philippaerts.

Team USA won the overall classification, followed by France and Belgium. The three teams were the favourites of the event and confirmed that they will be the men to beat even if everything can happen in this team race!

The races are scheduled at 13.10 (MX1-MX2), 14.40 (MX2-Open) and 16.10 (MX1-Open). Weather forecast predicts possible showers in the morning and better conditions in the afternoon.

Information and results on http://www.motocrossmx1.com/, the official website of the Motocross World Championships.