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France, Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia, USA, Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Denmark and Norway are certainties for the A-final (for me), 16 countries.
Ireland, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Portugal, Japan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania and maybe even Poland will have to battle it out for the remaining 4 spots, of which one has to make it through the B-final (probably Ireland, as they are the champions of B-final). Out of those 9 countries, Latvia and Lithuania have the best chances (in theory), as they have the two fastest riders out of those teams, so they will probably / hopefully make it. But teams as New Zealand and Ireland seem stronger considering all 3 riders.
For Brazil, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Iceland, Ukraine, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg and Greece it will end on Sundaymorning for sure.
IF the Dutch avoid bad luck with injuries or bike problems they should win even if their guys get bad starts or have crashes as they will be so much faster than 90% of the field.
Geerts will be the fastest MX2 rider as long as he stays on the bike, but his Belgian team mates will have to have VERY good days to turn a potential podium in to a possible win.
France have had bad luck with injury...and self inflicted political cock ups, but will be thereabouts as usual.
Switzerland could be interesting if they all have a good day, but likely to be solid 3-7th moto finishes rather than challenging for wins.
We/Great Britain would have been overall top 3 contenders, but with Watson and Anstie out, it will be a very lucky top 3 or more likely 5-10th overall.
Italy are hamstrung without Cairoli, but should be solid top 10s.
Spain have Prado who will top 5 on an MX1 bike, but again will need exceptional days from his team mates to challenge.
Similar with Slovenia and Gaiser, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway.
If Osbourne and Anderson avoid crashes they should be capable of 3-6th places in their class although are likely to be beaten by the likes of Geerts on a 250. Not sure how they do the gate picks these days, but if Cooper can get good starts and avoid the carnage he should be comfortably one of the better (5th -10th, maybe better) 250 riders.
That should easily get them a podium and with lots of luck a challenge for the win.
Might be completely wrong though. That's the beauty of sport
Choosing Laengenfelder was the right choice for the future. His trainer is Hubert Nagl I think, I wonder what he thinks about the clownshow that the new manager runs.
Anyways, anyone know why Koga isn’t in for Japan? Narita, Koga and Tomita could have been a very solid team.
I’m calling Ireland, Japan, Slovenia and Puerto Rico getting the final 4 spots.
Notsuka raced (and has been injured) the EMX250-class last season for Honda 114 Motorsports. I think it's a matter of logistics. Narita isn't a young gun anymore and Tomita didn't really set the world on fire in the Nationals. I think they will have a hard time in the sand.
Pit Row
And I still only see Coldenhoff and Tonus in Open that can run with or beat Osborne. And Tonus isn't oozing results on sand tracks. Tixier? Simpson? I don't see it.
I think Anderson might have the toughest draw... But he's also the guy that can really step it up and make "stuff" happen. Stoked that he has already headed over to get ready.
I'd love to see any of them drop in for a "race" while they were over there before MXoN. Not sure they are willing to take the risk though.
Looking back on last year we had Sipes finish 2nd and Windham finish 4th in the B final which got them into the main. I don’t think marquier and Starling will be too far off that. Maybe they do miss it by a spot or two. Either way, I feel they will be contending hard for one of those final spots.
I can’t wait for the event though. I love rooting for guys who are out there giving it their all for their country.
But you have to keep in mind that the field is going to be stronger as last year, even with all those injuries. Countries like Denmark, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, etc. replace the entries of Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Philippines, Guam,...
No disrespect, but those countries are not as strong as the European ones who didn't make the trip to RedBud but will line up at Assen.
I hope they can make it though!
Featured riders are No8 Bob Moore (KTM), No5 Mike Healey (KTM), No70 Trampas Parker (Chesterfield KTM). Also couple of bonus photos of No4 Alex Puzar (Chesterfield Yamaha) and No18 Pedro Tragter (Suzuki).
The irony of the 70s, 80s and 90s was the British GP being on one of the only sand tracks in England and the Belgian riders coming over and winning, while the Belgian sand riders had their home GP on the least sandy track they had; Namur which was hard pack, tarmac and cobblestones!
RC training in Lommel before the MXON in Zolder, picture from Plons (Mxworld.be)
DC
Racer X
Challenge For #teamfried
https://youtu.be/MUGPFapCKBk
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