Wednesday August 29, 2018 at 1:13pm
With just over six weeks until the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations heads to Red Bud in America. Team Manager Mark Chamberlain, in conjunction with the ACU Motocross Committee is pleased to announce that the three riders selected to represent Great Britain will be Tommy Searle (MXGP), Ben Watson (MX2) and Max Anstie (MX Open). Tommy Searle will be lining up to compete in the MXGP class on the Bike It DRT Kawasaki machine. In the past Tommy has proven to be Team GB’s strongest rider at the event and heads into the event as Team GB’s most experienced rider, speaking of his selection Tommy said, “I’m happy to have been chosen to race for my country again as this will be my 10th time doing so. I know what to expect and what it takes, and we will work together as a team and give everything possible!” The MX2 spot will see Ben Watson make his debut for Team GB at the MXON, the 21-year-old from Nottingham will be onboard his Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 machine which he is currently sitting fourth in the World MX2 Championship and challenging for the bronze medal. Speaking of his first call up to Team GB, Ben said “I am so motivated to give this opportunity absolutely everything for myself, the whole of GB and everyone who has put their trust in me. I am feeling very privileged to be selected and cannot wait to do all I can along with Max and Tommy to get Team GB on the podium again. Let’s go” This year Max Anstie will be lining up in the MX Open class on his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine. After taking a double race win at last year’s event Max has proven his ability to be a front runner. Max has taken a number of overall podiums already this season and commented about his selection by saying “I’m really looking forward to the MXON this year! I’m going to represent my country with pride and try to get us on the box again!” With three strong riders, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain commented, “This is year has been really tough to pick the team. Lots of different hurdles had to be overcome to get to this decision. I’m pleased with the riders selected and feel it’s a really strong team. I would like to thank the riders selected and the ones who haven’t made it for their professionalism. It’s great to have so many good riders and all of them wanting to be on Team GB!’ ‘The focus now is on the build up to the race and making the best possible surroundings for the riders to get the job done. It’s great to have Ben Watson on the Team as being his first year he is buzzing. That with Max and Tommy with the experience they bring together a really good team’. ACU Motocross Committee Chairman, Steve McCauley echoed the comments of Mark Chamberlain by saying, “The role of a team manager in any walk of life is difficult enough. Add into the equation the passion of the motocross fan and riders which combined with the modern social media platforms upon which everyone expresses their views and opinions and the task becomes even more daunting. Mark has had some extremely difficult decisions to make this year. The rider selection itself was problematic enough on its own but add into the mix the costs logistics and sheer amount of work that goes into putting everything together to get a team to the USA it becomes a minefield of variables. So complex in fact that we have seen other countries who have simply pulled out due to the enormity of the task. Mark has chosen his team now and having spoken to him several times recently I do know how hard it was for him to settle upon the final three. Great credit to the guys who didn't make the team for their conduct and understanding. Now we must all get behind Team GB and cheer them onto another podium. I know for sure every rider will carry the flag with pride and give 110% for the cause.