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MXON: From Favorites To Underdogs?
Saturday didn't go Team USA's way but are they still the favorites to clean up on Sunday?
Red Bull/KTM's Ryan Dungey (Photo: Hoppenworld.com)
Team USA’s quest for an eighth straight gets off to slow start
The action got underway from Lommel, Belgium, on Saturday as the qualifying races for the Motocross of Nations set the starting lineup for Sunday’s motos. All eyes were on Team USA, which is seeking an eighth consecutive victory at the most prestigious event in motocross.
The thee-rider lineup of Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett, and Justin Barcia tackled the deep sand of Lommel for the first time, and after going head-to-head against a stacked field of European talent that surely holds an advantage on this unique surface, the Americans clearly have their work cut out for them tomorrow afternoon.
Dungey posted the third-fastest lap in the morning practice, albeit some four seconds behind Tony Cairoli, who posted the quickest time. Nevertheless, it was a promising start that set the tone for a hopeful effort in the qualifying moto.
As the gate dropped, the usual suspects from GP asserted themselves out front with Cairoli, Max Nagl, and Clement Desalle leading the way. Nagl took advantage when Cairoli experienced a problem and set sail out front, leading the majority of the moto. However, his KTM teammate closed late and ultimately made the pass for the win. Desalle never relinquished his hold on third.
Dungey never could get into a rhythm, stuck in a battle to stay inside the top five. He ultimately settled for sixth, which isn’t bad, but definitely didn't perform to the level the team was hoping for nor what critics expected.
In the MX2 class, Baggett didn’t do anything special in the morning practice, which is something we’ve become accustomed to in the States. He was solid -- in fifth -- but not spectacular. Fellow American Zach Osborne paced the field, giving Team Puerto Rico something to cheer about.
Once the moto was underway, a surprise holeshot by Great Britain’s Jake Nicholls showed that this moto had the potential to be a wild one. Ken Roczen followed in second, while Baggett instantly put himself in a strong position in third.
Roczen moved into the lead quickly and checked out on the field, but Jeremy van Horebeek passed Baggett for second, holding on for the remainder of the moto. Baggett’s pressure wasn’t over as Marvin Musquin began to challenge him for third. The pair battled throughout the moto, but eventually Baggett got the best of his fellow AMA competitor.
The action got underway from Lommel, Belgium, on Saturday as the qualifying races for the Motocross of Nations set the starting lineup for Sunday’s motos. All eyes were on Team USA, which is seeking an eighth consecutive victory at the most prestigious event in motocross.
The thee-rider lineup of Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett, and Justin Barcia tackled the deep sand of Lommel for the first time, and after going head-to-head against a stacked field of European talent that surely holds an advantage on this unique surface, the Americans clearly have their work cut out for them tomorrow afternoon.
Dungey posted the third-fastest lap in the morning practice, albeit some four seconds behind Tony Cairoli, who posted the quickest time. Nevertheless, it was a promising start that set the tone for a hopeful effort in the qualifying moto.
As the gate dropped, the usual suspects from GP asserted themselves out front with Cairoli, Max Nagl, and Clement Desalle leading the way. Nagl took advantage when Cairoli experienced a problem and set sail out front, leading the majority of the moto. However, his KTM teammate closed late and ultimately made the pass for the win. Desalle never relinquished his hold on third.
Dungey never could get into a rhythm, stuck in a battle to stay inside the top five. He ultimately settled for sixth, which isn’t bad, but definitely didn't perform to the level the team was hoping for nor what critics expected.
In the MX2 class, Baggett didn’t do anything special in the morning practice, which is something we’ve become accustomed to in the States. He was solid -- in fifth -- but not spectacular. Fellow American Zach Osborne paced the field, giving Team Puerto Rico something to cheer about.
Once the moto was underway, a surprise holeshot by Great Britain’s Jake Nicholls showed that this moto had the potential to be a wild one. Ken Roczen followed in second, while Baggett instantly put himself in a strong position in third.
Roczen moved into the lead quickly and checked out on the field, but Jeremy van Horebeek passed Baggett for second, holding on for the remainder of the moto. Baggett’s pressure wasn’t over as Marvin Musquin began to challenge him for third. The pair battled throughout the moto, but eventually Baggett got the best of his fellow AMA competitor.
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