The 77ᵉ edition of the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) organized by MXGP was held on the legendary Matterley Basin circuit, in Angleter welcoming 36 states to compete in this prestigious competition. Since its creation in 1947, this event has seen the rise of many nations.
While the USA holds the record for most victories with 17 titles, France has dominated the last decade with six crowns between 2014 and 2023 (7 in its history). However, new contenders such as Australia, Spain and the Netherlands have emerged in recent seasons.
MXoN: format and competition schedule
First of all, let's recall the format of these "Olympic Motocross Games". The Motocross of Nations takes place over three rounds, each combining two of the following three categories: MXGP (450cc), MX2 (250cc) and Open (450cc). The format of the event is designed to mix riders of different displacements, offering a unique spectacle on a 2.1 km track renowned for its technical challenges.
The weekend's three heats featured the following combinations:
- Race 1: MXGP + MX2
- Race 2: MX2 + Open
- Race 3: MXGP + Open
2024: Australia's baptism of fire!
Australia, led by brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence and Kyle Webster, shone throughout the weekend, defeating the USA, the Netherlands, Spain and defending champion France. Victory was sealed in the final heat, which was a tense affair after a series of twists and turns. Several teams were still in contention before the final race, a confrontation between the MXGP and Open categories.
The start was eventful, with crashes for Glenn Coldenhoff (Netherlands) and Ruben Fernandez (Spain), while Eli Tomac (USA) quickly took the lead, followed by Tim Gajser (Slovenia) and Jett Lawrence. Just as Jett Lawrence was making a determined comeback, something unexpected happened: the insatiable Tim Gajser overtook him on the final bend to win the heat. However, strong combined performances from Jett Lawrence (1st/2nd), Hunter Lawrence (8th/4th) and Kyle Webster secured Australia's first title.
TIM GAJSER for a crazy overtake, in perhaps the craziest Motocross des Nations race of the century, between the 2 best riders in the world!
Rémy JAC (@Remy_Jac) October 6, 2024
With all the top MX riders in one race...pic.twitter.com/mYAmJtzOoU https://t.co/LNHONROAPQ
Motocross des Nations 2024 final results
The United States, led by an in-form Eli Tomac (2nd/3rd), finished in second place. The Netherlands, despite the difficulties encountered by Coldenhoff, secured third place thanks to Jeffrey Herlings and Kay de Wolf, impressive in MX2. Announced as the French team's number one rival, Australia was in a different sphere this weekend. The French drivers, title holders after their 2023 home victory in Ernée, saw their hopes dashed in the final round. Romain Febvre (MXGP), who had shone with a third-place finish in the first heat, crashed in the final, forcing the team to abandon its podium ambitions and finish in fifth place. Maxime Renaux (Open), despite finishing fourth in the second heat, also crashed in the final race.
1. Australia - 26 points ;
2. United States - 29 pts ;
3. Netherlands - 36 pts ;
4. Spain - 45 pts ;
5. France - 50 pts.
"Today didn't go as planned," confirms Romain Febvre on his Instagram account as concerns persist about his state of health. It was already an unknown factor a few weeks ago when it came to the state of fitness of the French riders, who were plagued by injuries, but there's no doubt that the team coached by Gautier Paulin will be able to use this to bounce back.
A tumultuous weekend for Belgium and Lucas Coenen
The Winchester stage was also marked by the imbroglio surrounding young Belgian driver Lucas Coenen. Initially scheduled to start in MXGP, he had to replace his twin brother Sacha, injured, in the MX2 class. After refusing to take part, Lucas changed his mind at the last minute, allowing Belgium to avoid a withdrawal, which would have been a first since 1968.
Ambitious and fast, Coenen impressed in qualifying, competing with renowned riders such as Ken Roczen and Jeremy Seewer. Unfortunately, a violent crash during the race forced him to retire after injuring his shoulder, preventing him from taking part in the second round. He'll be back in the MXGP class in 2025, riding for the Red Bull KTM team.
Tanel Leok: record broken!
Lucas Coenen and Tanel Leok are 23 years apart, yet both were taking part in this 2024 edition. The 40-year-old Estonian counts among the weekend's highlights, as he honored his 22ᵉ participation in the Motocross of Nations, a record. Leok, who made his competitive debut in 2001 in Namur (Belgium), raced this year in the MX2 class, testifying to his longevity and passion for motocross.
MXoN: return to France in 2026
The future of the Motocross des Nations promises to be just as exciting. In 2025, the competition will be held in the United States, on the famous Ironman circuit, an emblematic venue for American motocross. before returning to France, to Ernée, in 2026. Now it's time for the off-season, before the riders return in 2025 for a new motocross campaign and new faces in MXGP...