Team France has taken out the 2016 Motocross of Nations after a thrilling final moto, while Team Australia has finished eighth.
By Hayden Gregory
The 20th edition of the Motocross of Nations was held in Maggiora, Italy and there was no shortage of entertainment.
The opening race was taken in stunning fashion by France’s Romain Febvre ahead of hometown rider Antonio Cairoli and Dutchman Kevin Strijbos. Australia’s Todd Waters finished in a respectable seventh place while Mitch Evans was back in 35th.
The second race saw a scintillating battle between America’s Jason Anderson and flying Dutchman Jeffrey Herlings. The amazing hit out saw Anderson stun for victory before a nasty incident occurred moments later.
The American was celebrating his victory after crossing the finish line before a lapper rider landed on his head. There was immediate concern for Anderson following the shocking incident yet he has since confirmed no major damage was done.
Frenchman Gautier Paulin finished the moto in third behind Herlings, with Australia’s Dean Ferris and Evans crossing the line in sixth and 37th places respectively.
Heading into the final moto the championship was still up for grabs, with Teams USA, Netherlands and France all within striking distance of the crown.
Herlings would dominate the final race leading start to finish ahead of Cairoli and fellow countryman Strijbos. Team USA looked set for the overall with Cooper Webb holding fifth place before a small crash near the end of the race cost his team victory.
With Webb unable to make back lost ground in the final moments, France were awarded their third straight MXoN victory. Netherlands were one point further back in second with Team USA dropping to third.
Team Australia would ultimately finish in eighth place after Waters and Ferris battled for 14th and 15th places respectively in moto three.
Motocross of Nations overall standings:
1. France 29
2. The Netherlands 30
3. USA 33
4. Belgium 36
5. Italy 44
6. Switzerland 44
7. Great Britain 73
8. Australia 76
9. Estonia 93
10. Canada 95
11. Russia 96
12. Spain 96
13. Sweden 102
14. Denmark 102
15. Austria 137
16. Czech Republic 139
17. New Zealand 140
18. Japan 145
19. Lithuania 158
20. Ireland 114 (Failed to score in every races)
