French MXdN Team Riders Selected
Saturday, August 7, 2010 | 8:02 PM
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PrintSix weeks prior the 2010 Motocross of Nations, the French Motorcycling Federation revealed the names of the riders who will represent France on September 25th-26th in Thunder Valley (Colorado). Reigning MX2 World Champion Marvin Musquin (KTM), double US Supercross Champion in the ‘Lites’ class Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki) and Xavier Boog (Kawasaki) ‘rookie’ in the 2010 MX1 World Championship will represent France during the 64th edition of the MXON.
The French Federation had a long list of potential members, thanks to the strong level of the Motocross riders who are involved at the highest level in the World and US Championships. Marvin Musquin, leader of the MX2 series, Christophe Pourcel leader of the ‘Lites’ US Motocross series and Xavier Boog the best French representative in the main class will wear the ‘blue, white and red’ jersey.
As usual Marvin Musquin will be involved in the MX2 class aboard his factory KTM, while Xavier Boog will enter the Open class on his 450 Kawasaki. It’s also a 450 Kawasaki that Christophe Pourcel will ride for the Nations, a first racing experience for him in the MX1 class; former World Champion and then US Supercross Champion on a 250, Christophe regularly train on a 450 and will be back among his former GP rivals fort this event.
"Last year it was a great experience to ride for the first time this event, and I’m delighted to be part again of the French team. This event is unique, and gives us an opportunity to be all together racing for the same goal; last year was great, and I’m sure that we’ll have again a very good relationship with Xavier and Christophe. I met him in Glen Helen, we are a strong team and we will go to Denver for another podium result" said Marvin who won twice the MX2 class last year in Italy. Xavier will be the rookie in the team, as he never raced the Nations. "I was selected once for the European Motocross of Nations, but never for the ‘real’ Nations and a dream came true. I’m happy that the French Federation keeps me in the team despite my knee injury in Lommel; it’s going better every day and I will be back racing in Brazil. The Nations is such a big event that I will be the first one to inform the manager if I didn’t feel ready to go there, but at the moment I’ve a strong motivation to be back at my best level." Marvin and Xavier never raced alongside Christophe Pourcel, but the third member is highly motivated for the MXON. "When Olivier Robert the French manager came to the US and spoke with me about the Nations, he didn’t need to convince me as I wanted to do this race. I’m strongly motivated to be back in the French team and happy to race the MX1 class" explained Christophe who knows perfectly the track of Thunder Valley, and will lead his teammates there.
For Olivier Robert, the French trainer, the goal will be to get at least a podium as they often did in the past. "I’m delighted to see Christophe back in the French team, four years after Matterley Basin in 2006. He is stronger than ever, and his teammates show during the Grand Prix how fast they are. For sure Xavier had an injury last week, but he will do several races and we’ll see if he is back to his best level. All the riders must be in perfect shape for this event, and hopefully we have some other top riders who could replace any of them in case of problem. We just need to finalize everything early due to the fact that the event will be organized in the US; we must announce the final team at least on Friday 24th of September, but of course the riders will fly there earlier to be ready for the event" revealed Olivier who did already nine MXON as French trainer and enjoyed the podium six times so far.
The French team
Marvin Musquin (250 KTM Red Bull Factory) MX2 rider: 20 years old, 2009 MX2 World Champion and leader of the 2010 MX2 series. Won thirteen MX2 Grand Prix. Member of the 2009 French Team, second in Franciacorta (Italy)
Christophe Pourcel (450 Kawasaki Pro Circuit) MX1 rider: 21 years old, 2006 MX2 World Champion, 2009-2010 US Supercross ‘lites’ Champion on the East Coast, leader of the US Motocross ‘lites’ series. Won four MX2 Grand Prix MX2. Member of the 2006 French Team, fifth in Matterley Basin (Great Britain)
Xavier Boog (450 Kawasaki KRT) Open class rider: 22 years old, 2010 MX1 French Champion and currently seventh of the MX1 World Championship. Won one MX3 Grand Prix. Never race the MX of Nations.
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The drive from Dallas to Colorado in between school this semester had me pondering not going. With Pourcel riding MX1 I couldn't live with myself if I missed his 450 debut. First in house Pro Circuit 450 to ever be raced in a FIM/AMA race?
Hey Hahnny or Josh Hansen won the last 2 X games on a PC in house Kawasaki 450. I believe its the same bike Pourcel will be riding. Xavier Boog not a bad Choice but Paulin would be way better bet for the French. Paulin was leading the class before he crashed last yr and he had a big lead too. Pourcel and Musquin are good but the pressure is on Xavier.
Surprised to see Boog selected despite the injury. I agree that Paulin, or even Frossard - based on the two riders' efforts at last year's MXdN - might have been a better choice.
Are the ages correct? MM is only a year younger than CP? CP is a giant in this sport, kinda makes the Musquin hype seem a lil over the top. I thought MM was like 16?
Herlings will be 16 by the time of the des Nations and Roczen is 16 right now whitemore. The Musquin rise to fame is a good story though. Boog had a flash of speed a few times this year and led a few moto's. Paulin hasn't been to hot this year. Overshadowed by the deep MX2 class young guns if you ask me. They're racing in Colorado in the high altitude. That 450 has a lot more power. Not to say either Paulin or Frossard can't ride one. Frossard is moving up next year anyway. Frossard would have still been my pick.
They should think about hiring a new PR guy.
To Stephen B., the thing is that climbing the ladder takes a while in france, except for genius like Pourcel. In the US you launch the kids as pros AMA in their 16/17, whereas back home their still doin the national 125 then. They start GP at like 18 at the best. Then took Musquin two years to get on top, wich is still quite fast. Dunno bout Deutschland and Germany, but Roczen is an exception anyways since he was raised on the AMA circuit.
Roczen raised on the AMA circuit? How is that possible when he started GPs at 15? As for Musquin, his "professional career started off in the European Championships, the best preparation for all riders aiming at the Grand Prix series," according to online Youthstream materials. He rode a GP at 17, finished 14th at 18, then started winning championships after Cairoli, Rattray, and Searle had headed for bigger challenges and Rui Goncalves was his main competition (and now even he's in MX1). By the time he hits the 250 class in AMA, his true "peers" will mostly have gone to 450s. I'm not saying he's not good, but he by no means has earned king of the world status in MX2/250 that some seem to be giving him. My money's on Canard in MX2 at MXdN.
He might be referring to Roczen racing Loretta's over here? That's nowhere near a pro circuit though. Before last year when he started getting podiums I had never heard of him (Musquin). Went back and watched some 2008 stuff and he was there flirting around 10th most weekends. That SRS Honda squad he was on was underfunded for his ability. They owed him some money from his performances (podiums) from what I read. I'm sure when making the contract they didn't plan on him to contend for a World Title. He is hands down faster than Simpson though and Simpson gave Cairoli, Searle and Rattray some good battles back in 08. He's been hurt a lot since. Bulgaria was awesome. Frossard is an ex BMX World Champion. He's only been riding a few years. Kind of a McGrath transition in to the sport racing BMX first. That explains a lot about his age (24 next year and out of the MX2 class)
I also thought Musquin was ridiculously young. This MXoN is gonna be cool as we get to see Dungey v. Pourcel on 450s. We also get to see where Cairoli and the 350 stack up against the AMA guys.
Hey Sef, I see it comes out both directions after reading your comments. Bigger challenges? True peers? I didnt know motocross was about "class of 99" and having to graduate with riders the same age?!? To be honest, that you are still trying to stir this GP v AMA thing shows just how little you know of the sport. The only thing "bigger" about the AMA series are the pay checks...and absolutely nothing else. A truly well run professional championship. Your hinting of bigger things in the US despite numerous examples of GP champions going over to the US and winning, shows u have not caught onto the simple fact that the cream will always rise to the top, regardless of which championship they are riding in. Personally I think Musquin is the same speed as Pourcel..but waaaaaaayyyyyy fitter. What makes me furious is the stupid Italian federation and their antics of not allowing either KTM or Yamaha to put their brands on the jersey. Can you believe that? Cairolli and Phillipearts might not be going. The federation doesnt even pay the bills of the teams at the des nations...what right do they think they have to boss the factories around????
it will be a good test for POURCEL im sure he is lighting fast on a 450 but, for how long.(.thin air, 2 motos, 450) ???? could make or break him for a ride next year.....
The Italian Federation probably wouldn't have a problem with the logo's if they were Aprilia or TM. It's politics at this point. No way the two previous and one soon to be World Champions will be excluded. I suspect the Italian Federation will give in at the last minute. I'm interested to see if Scotland fields a team this year. Dean Wilson, Billy Mackenzie and Shaun Simpson? That's a podium contender on paper. Herlings also disappointed me a little. Saying he didn't want to come race because the Dutch team would suck. So what man. Go try and land on an individual podium for your country. He's 15. He has some learning to do.
sef, good points re Marvin. He looked awful good at the USGP, though. Too lazy to look it up now, but remember his lap times were pretty impressive vs the 450s. Endo4, re Pourcel on 450 @ Thunder Valley, altitude, heat, etc: It's hit or miss with CP on the between - motos hydration/recovery dealie, so one never knows. About 1/3 the time it goes sour. He is riding the MX1 class and I THINK they go moto 1 and 3, which is the only class that does not run back-to-back, so maybe that is a factor. Btw, he went 1-6 there last year, 1-1 there this year. Gonna be fun to see him vs RD there again (6-4 last year, 2-1 this year).
Not sure I'm following you, Langston_fan. Bigger challenges -- yes. Cairoli went from MX2 to MX1. Rattray and Searle went from 1-2 in MX2 to struggling for top five in AMA 250. True peers -- yes. Musquin's been in MX2 for three years; he's turning 21 before next season; he'll be two-time MX2 champ ... those of a comparable age, pro experience, and success in America will mostly be in the 450 class when he comes here to run 250s. These are fair points. Personally, I don't think he has the skill of Pourcel -- at least not that he's shown yet. That I'm "trying to stir this GP v AMA thing shows just how little [I] know of the sport"? Seriously? Hey, these are my opinions, but my points are legitimate, and frankly, I don't see any specifics coming from you to dispute me ... only an insult that doesn't seem to carry much weight. Where are these "numerous examples of GP champions going over to the US and winning"? You sound like another Euro fan whose bias won't allow you to see the other side of the story. I follow GPs and enjoy them. But I see what I see.
Coming up through the ranks is a lot different in Europe though. You race in a lot of lower classes like EMX125 and the such... which Musquin is also a previous champion in. Unless you're an unbelievable talent like Roczen or Herlings most teams won't take you. A lot also has to do with nationality. A lot of smaller teams like to run people from their own country. Proving yourself in lower series puts you on the map though like most other high up professional racing here in the states and abroad. He moved up to the SRS Honda team (I believe that was the one) then on to Factory KTM. He did it the hard way. He wasn't given a factory seat right out of juniors. The FIM doesn't have a strong backing with the amateur ranks like the AMA does here. All of the different countries motorcycle federations run their own series as well. He's not as fast as Pourcel I'll agree with that. But Even if he's 2 tenths a lap off he's still only slower than Canard... number three in the world sounds good to me. I don't expect him to set the world on fire at Thunder Valley.
Musquin will be another Euro "rookie" running the 250 class against a bunch of real rookies. He will be 21 and running with true rookies in supercross and then outdoors. He will have a slid 4 seasons of pro racing under his belt. He should win, but he never won in the GP's until the big boys left for 450's or the states. I think the U.S. will have the French team covered. No. 3 in the world SyephenB.?? I dont think so. Canard has been faster than Pourcel lately anyway. Langston_fan, you only show up on here to stir up arguements. Whats new, and we all know which series is better, the one all the best GP riders run too as soon as they get a ride here. And the one that doesnt rip off the riders every race. And the one that doesnt have cookie-cutter tracks and the best competition. Those comments I just used came from a former GP champ that now races in the U.S.
And how old was Brett Metcalfe when he finally moved up? 26. He has been riding in the MX2/Lites class since 2002 and was a "Euro" rookie when he arrived here in 2005 at the ripe old age of you guess it... 21 just like Marvin! 8 freaking years! He started racing the GP's when he was 18... you guessed it again, just like Marvin. Musquin has been there for 3 including this year. It's not his fault he found success and Metcalfe never did. I guess you could say Cairoli and Pourcel won because Ramon decided to move up to right? Or how about Villipoto since James decided to move up. Or Rattray because Cairoli blew out his knee at Nelspruit. Don't even get me started on this b u l l crap. Instead of starting in the pro's at 15 locally like some kids do here he was busy racing the EMX125 class winning the championship there so he could GET a ride for an MX2 team... a s h i t t y one at that.
Sorry... Metty came over in 2004 at the age of 20 and not 21 (give or take). You still get my point. Everything you complain about has already happened time and time again here and the one's that don't come over winners are never singled out. Langston stayed down TWICE because he couldn't handle that KTM 450 on a SX track. Davalos has been there foreverrrrr but not from Europe. Townley took a SX title and made Ryan earn that 2008 title. Mike Brown came back over from Europe, Ryan Hughes raced on a 125 in his 30's and Langston won an Outdoor title all in the same year! The parody here is making me laugh. Only the winners that stand a chance of taking away wins from our home grown riders ever get the Salem Witch trial put on them. It's only a select few too. A select French few. No one is hating on Tommy Searle right now and he finished second in the championship in 07(I think) and 08 (I know). You don't become successful in this sport for being a young American... no matter how much you want it. You become successful by being fast. Blake Wharton has been on a 250f longer than Musquin has. Up until 2007 he was on 125's.
StephenB. you made my point for me. There are alot of GP riders that come hear after 3 or 4 years of pro racing and get a 250 ride,(justified, its their first year here) then they stay in the 250 class for another 3 years or so. RV2 you brought him up. He moved up to the 450 class at 19 years old. He never raced against Stewie in the 250 class. So he didnt "start" winning when Stewie moved up, he never raced him in the class. It has nothing to do with being American, your bigotry is obvious. You always praise the GP's or a GP rider, and cut on a AMA rider or any American sport. Such as NASCAR. But you seem to be fine with attending an American college and living in our great country. Kinda makes you a hypocrite doesnt it.
You seem to be arguing with different people here, StephenB. Here's my take on what you said. Brett Metcalfe? I'm arguing that Musquin hasn't produced results that clearly show he's better than his American "peers." First, Metty is an Aussie, and second, he's never won a "world" championship (I'm including GPs and AMA here). Many riders with his resume have stayed around in "Lites." Langston is also not American, and it could be argued that he stayed on small bikes too long. Davalos? You think big-bike teams are chomping at the bit to sign him (again, a non-American)? You also mentioned Wharton. He's 19, and raced the final three races of the 2008 outdoor motocross season; thus he does NOT have as much pro experience as Musquin. You also mentioned Searle. He's younger than Musquin. I'm not looking for a "Salem Witch trial." People come out here and like to say Musquin is "the best" 250 rider in the world, or second to Pourcel. I'm simply saying where is the proof? Oh, and while I always rooted for Ryno over Brownie, I never thought either was "the best." Things came together just right for Mike to win a single 125 championship. I respect both for their continuing involvement in the sport.
sorry sef, it was directed at bd200. As for Wharton my point was that he was riding a 250f even when he was a amateur... the same time Musquin was on a 125. Technically Wharton has been riding a 250f at a high performance level longer than Musquin. You defend Davalos for staying down because no one wants him in the 450 class. That means he's wasting a seat does it not? If he has reached his ceiling then he is just milking money out of the 250 class at this point. Pourcel didn't milk any money and neither will Musquin I'm sure. That's why there's a 24 year old age limit in Europe. To prevent someone making a living out of the MX2 class... a support class. Pourcel stayed down because he got no Outdoor title which he rightfully felt he deserved. He deserves it again this year too and hopefully he can get it. KTM is bringing Marvin over here to re launch their brand. If he succeeds after a few years like Pourcel has I'm sure he will move up. You can't move up unless you have impressed though. You can't impress until you come over here and win something. Following this logic here? If he's going to get a 450 ride here he must first get a 250 ride and prove he has what it takes in America.
bd200, RV2 was in the Lites class for longer than Pourcel. Stewart was down for 3 years. Wasn't it clear from day one Stewart didn't belong in the 125 class? He was in it for 3 years. You don't crash in turn one only to come back and win a moto unless you DON'T belong there. Musquin can't even do that in the GP's with a 35 rider gate. Pourcel will be there for two years. You use age as if it's some arguing point. He's 21. Legally he can drink in America now. He's sooo old. I'm sorry he wasn't picked up by a huge manufacturer like Canard, Alessi, Stewart, Carmichael, Windham, Reynard, Villipoto, Roczen, Herlings and so on. You know... there are other much slower was of getting to the top... ways that cause you to use more years in order to reach your dream. Are you trying to say it's Musquin's fault he wasn't born in America and labeled the next best hope for American motocross at the age of 12? I swear the thought process' you have are that of a close minded hypocrite. Always oblivious to the reality in front of you when complaining about something not American or home grown. Honda probably spent more money on Alessi on 80's then SRS Honda did Musquin his year and a half in the GP's with them.
My point with Davalos was that his performance hasn't demanded that he move up. As for "milking money out of the 250 class,” isn't that up to his employer? Regarding Wharton, my point was that he's younger and been racing "professionally" for a shorter time than Musquin. And if MX2 is a "support class," then why is the winner considered a "world champion"? I agree that it is a stepping stone to big bikes (as is AMA 250), but if you haven't performed at a level that says you should step up, and if teams are willing to hire you for a 250 ride, so be it. That's not even my argument. Your statement, "If [Musquin's] going to get a 450 ride here he must first get a 250 ride and prove he has what it takes in America," is pretty much exactly my point. Don't crown him king of 250s, or superior to AMA riders, based on his performance in Europe. RV and JBS both rode three years in "Lites," but both moved up younger than Musquin (as did Dungey). To summarize my point, Musquin needs to prove himself further before deserving all the accolades that the Euro-biased here have showered upon him. If he does, good for him.
StephenB. Stewart may have been there 3 years, but alot of that time he spent injured. Look at the number of titles. He missed alot of races then, so its not the same. And racing a 250f in amatuers for Wharton?? Give me a break, you are going out on a limb now for comparisons. We are talking pro experience here. I just dont feel anyone should sit in the 250 class that long. NOONE. Especially when they have won a title somewhere else. If Stewart and RV2 rode the 250 class at 21 years old. I would say the same thing. A 21 year old is stronger physically and mentally than pretty much all 19 year olds. Especially when he has 5 or 6 years "pro" racing experience.
The 250 class is no longer the support class and in more competitive than the 450's because more riders are capable of winning. I think alot of top 10 450 guy's would have a hard time in the current 250 class. Who cares how old a rider is or how many years of experience they have? If RC wanted to come out and race a 250 I say God bless him!
This isn´t a GP vs AMA post, because they´re all very talented and we´ve seen some great battle between them, but the 250 class isn´t an age class. Many of the GP guys that come to the US pretty much have to ride a 250 for a couple years to get a good ride. If you ride great in the GPs, awesome, but that doesn´t mean you´ll do good in the US... just like how some of the US riders really struggled when they tried to race GP´s. Often times the talent is there, but you have to put it all together in a strange new surroundings, and when the manufacturers pay more money to the 450 riders, they want to have riders that have proven themselves in the series they´re racing. What better way to do that than to ride the lites class. It´s about US AMA experience, not age, and not experience in other countries and other series. Even RC said 3 years is a good amount of time for the lites class and if I´m not mistaken, he was only on a 125 for 2 years and later said that he felt like he moved up too early (if I´m wrong on that feel free to call me out though :) ). I agree though, more than 3 years on a 250 seems like too much.
Just a side note to clarify a little though... I think 3 years is a good amount of time for rookies moving up to the pro ranks, and 2 years is good for GP riders. For rookies, they need to learn the game, but for GP riders, they already kinda know (the point bd200) is making, but they still have to prove themselves in the US and 2 years seems just right, so that one bad year doesn´t kill you or that one good year can be seen not to be a fluke. I think Rattray is a perfect example. Last year he struggled to fit in, so to speak, and this year he´s showing what he can really do. I think he´s hoping for a 450 ride for next year and will only stay on 250´s if he has no other options. CP... well he obviously prefers a 450 and he´s doing things right too. Can´t knock on either one of those guys
Exactly. Some bag on him saying he has too much experience while others say he hasn't proven enough yet. If two (soon to be) world championships isn't enough to prove your merit then an AMA championship is all you have left. Couple that with being the "messiah" of a manufacturer's venture back in to American racing and there you have it. KTM is putting a lot of faith in this kid. He could or could not be the man that puts KTM back on the map in American motocross. Only time will tell. That's why I'm so excited to find out. New manufacturer's don't come along every year. That means more jobs, more race seats, more top riders and more teams. How is this at all a bad thing again?
How can it be called a "World Championship" when over half the world isnt involved. Just Europe.
In the past two years they have expanded from one continent to three. First Africa in 2008 in Nelspruit, South Africa. Rattray left so there was no more demand for a GP there. Then that was dropped for South America with Brazil last year. It stayed on the calendar this year. Also added was North America. The British GP is coming back to Matterly Basin next year (along with Searle and Anstie). Their next target is Australia. 4 continents and 17 different countries sounds like a World Championship to me. Asia is the only other large market they don't have a race in and they used to at Sugo, Japan. It's in their long term plan after Australia gets worked out to get back there... somewhere in there.
I love that World Champions win their titles in the GPs and then come to America for a bigger challenge. Those that come accept the challenge and those that don't wish they had (Stefan Evets). U.S. riders that head to the GPs are looking for an opportunity, often when team spots have dried up for them here.....oh and they usually do quite well over there. Interesting how that plays out regardless of what other arguments are made as to which series is better.
They had a race here, but nobody came. Closer to about 3000 fans and no toip riders there. So NO, its not a World Championship. the best riders are in the AMA, that is a big difference, that takes away your world title.
Hardly a big crowd for May 2010 GP at Glen Helen and that was a shame. Now here we are 4 months later and this event will draw a huge crowd. I wish all teams the best for each rider is the best.