2016 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations stands over and above any Olympic sport in terms of passion, intensity and swings of emotional highs and lows for all- riders, Teams, Nations, fans and organizers.
Running the 70th edition of the inaugural event at Maggiora last weekend, put paid to the huge historical significance MXoN has within the sport, the legacy it has on past, present and future riders around the world as captured by Team USA winners of 30 years previous: David Bailey, Rick Johnson and Johnny O’Mara.
Without that status built up over 7 decades, the sport would not see Teams of 3 riders from 38 Nations race over the course of 2 days in front of a crowd of 85,000 fans for the coveted Chamberlain Trophy- at the end of Europe’s MXGP and America’s AMA Pro Motocross Championship season 2016.
All of which carries the weight of expectation of rider and Team performance, National pride, hype, spirit and fight to race the Premier classes: MXGP, MX2 and Open.
Put in real terms, racing and results for MXoN switch from individual Overalls of rank to Team Overalls on 3 podium steps which highlights the extent of pressure placed on Team riders within the unpredictable nature of racing the most prestigious event on the World Motocross calendar.
Which is why the fans flock to watch the event, why thousands follow MXGP Live TV coverage, read online reports, listen to film interviews and track instant social media feeds up-dating results on racing.
If there was a balance to be found, it would be meeting the needs of public demand who support the event with meeting the founding principles of ‘The Olympics of Motocross’ which remains bringing the best riders in the world together to race.
At best, Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2016 cemented its unique place in Motocross history for sheer race experience while at the same time upped the ante on the need to stay true to the 70 year old tradition on providing an exceptional event for the best riders in the world to race Motocross.
Words: Sharon Cox
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