Team Belgium has announced another update to their Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations roster. The original, young team was set to feature Lucas Coenen (MXGP), Liam Everts (Open), and Sacha Coenen (MX2). The team was forced to adjust when Everts suffered a big crash at the MXGP of China after an accidental collision with fellow countryman Lucas Coenen that resulted in a broken C5 vertebra for Everts. The Red Bull KTM rider underwent successful surgery and is expected to make a full recovery but was forced to the sidelines for the rest of this season.
Enter Jago Geerts, who, despite being only 24 years old, brought the most MXoN experience to the team, as he has raced the event in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Geerts, who missed time in his rookie 450 MXGP season, is back in time to race a 450 for Team Belgium. That left the updated Team Belgium line-up being Lucas Coenen (MXGP), Geerts (Open), and Sacha Coenen (MX2).
However, now there is another update. Sacha Coenen, who suffered a leg injury at the MXGP of Switzerland back on August 25 and has not raced since, has now been replaced by veteran Brent Van Doninck. Van Doninck has raced the event previously (2016, 2017, and 2021) and will now fill a 450 spot alongside Geerts as Lucas Coenen will bump down to the MX2 class.
Over the weekend in Spain, there were rumors that Lucas Coenen would not drop down to the 250 after expecting to race a 450 at the event. Our man Jason Thomas, who was in attendance at the MXGP finale, said there was probably an hour where it seemed like Team Belgium might not compete at all, until Lucas finally accepted the 250 spot.
The following update is from Team Belgium:
We are excited to share an important update regarding Team 1/2 Belgium's participation in this year's Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Matterley Basin. We are pleased to announce that Lucas Coenen has agreed to ride in the MX2 class for Team Belgium!
Lucas has decided to step up and compete in the MX2 category. allowing us to form a competitive lineup. With his impressive performance throughout the year, including dominating the last GPs and finishing second in the world championship, we are confident in his ability to represent Belgium effectively.
While we initially faced challenges due to injuries to Liam Everts and Sacha Coenen, and the subsequent uncertainty about our team composition, we are now fully committed to competing in this prestigious event. Jago Geerts and Brent Van Doninck are ready to join Lucas in the lineup, ensuring we field a strong team.
We look forward to showcasing our talent and determination on the international stage. Thank you to all our fans, sponsors, and supporters for your continued encouragement as we prepare for the Motocross of Nations!
