Team GB will line up at the upcoming SuperMoto of Nations on 27-28 September with a blend of experience, emerging talent and a history-making father and son pairing as the squad aims to challenge Europe’s best riders.
The event, first staged in Northern Ireland in 2006, brings nations from across Europe together in a team-format competition. Nine nations have entered this year’s event at Autodrom Vysoké Mýto in the Czech Republic, with each fielding three riders in Adult and Junior categories.
Team Manager David Dearden, who has led Auto-Cycle Union-supported Team GB on nine occasions, is confident his six riders can deliver a strong performance on an unfamiliar track.
“We’ve finished second once and third twice in the past, and this year I think we’ve got a competitive line-up,” he said. “A realistic target is to finish in the top five because the French, German and Austrian teams are very strong. If we can battle close to the front as individuals, put some good points on the board, and come together as a solid team, I’ll be very happy.”
Team GB Adult riders:
Chris Hodgson
The winningest rider in British SuperMoto history, Chris (pictured) has won 35 titles during his career and has vast international experience. He’ll be riding a factory-supported TM bike in the Czech Republic.
Dearden says: “Chris is hugely experienced, has competed at world championship level, and knows what the Nations is all about. With his skill, consistency and a factory-supported bike, I’m hoping he’ll be riding at the sharp end.”
Richard Sharp
The reigning British over 45 champion and currently second in this year’s ACU series, Richard will be representing Team GB for the first time. He’s an experienced motocross rider and will bring his uniquely spectacular riding style.
Dearden says: “Richard brings great off-road skills from motocross and he’s now increased his speed on the track. The way he backs the bike into corners makes him very hard to pass because he takes up a lot of track space with his bike.”
Jamie Duncan
The Scot is an experienced motocross rider and has been running at the front of the British SuperMoto Championship since 2008. He’s a former British champion in the sport and will be riding a KTM at Autodrom Vysoké Mýto.
Dearden says: “Jamie is a very experienced rider and can be very tough and aggressive on the track as well. He’s not afraid to make hard passes on people – in fact it’s a bit of a speciality for him – and his style gives us a different dimension.”
Team GB Junior riders:
Storm Stacey
The British Superbike Championship regular (pictured below), who took his first BSB win at Snetterton last season, will return to his SuperMoto roots at the Nations. This flamboyant character hails from Staffordshire and often wears a head-turning top hat in the paddock.
Dearden says: “Storm is a very popular character and he’s also very quick on a bike. He often rides SuperMoto events as part of his training regime and I think his profile and talent will bring significant interest to Team GB and the sport of SuperMoto.”
Alex Mullaney
The 18-year-old is one of the best junior talents in British SuperMoto and is a two-time British under 21 champion and will be riding a KTM machine on 28 September.
Dearden says: “Alex is a huge talent and is probably the one rider that’s able to regularly compete with Chris (Hodgson) and win races at the front of the British championship. He’s still maturing as a rider, but the raw pace is definitely there and will be an asset.”
Harley Sharp
The son of adult rider Richard, Harley started racing in the junior 85cc categories before taking a break from competition. Since returning two years ago, he’s progressed hugely and is now regularly competing in the top-six of the British series.
Dearden says: “Harley’s selection means it’s the first time we’ve had a father and son competing on the same team in the SuperMoto of Nations. He’s now at the point where he’s competing neck and neck with his dad in the British series which is great to watch.”
Chris Hodgson will be taking part in his 10th SuperMoto of Nations next weekend, and he’s expecting the unfamiliar track at Autodrom Vysoké Mýto to create a level playing field for the 54 competing riders.
He said: “When you don’t get to race in Europe too often, it can be hard when you land at a track in maybe Italy or France that lots of riders already know. It can take until the final day to get up to speed and it’s too late by then.
“The track in Czech Republic isn’t used for a GP or anything like that so the majority of riders won’t be familiar with it. That’s good news because there won’t be an early advantage. I’m expecting a level playing field and some close racing.”
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