Aussie Chad Reed won't line-up for Team Australia at this year's Motocross of Nations next month.

Australian motocross hero Chad Reed has announced he’ll sit out next month’s Motocross of Nations in Colorado USA, with Aussie champion Jay Marmont confirmed as his replacement for Team Australia.

Multiple-time AMA and World Supercross Champion Chad Reed announced his withdrawal from the team this morning in order to continue an intensive treatment program for the Epstein Barr Virus which de-railed his AMA Pro Motocross title defence.

The Australian was diagnosed with the debilitating virus in July and is currently undergoing treatment at a leading medical facility in San Diego.

In handing over the reigns to three-time Australian Motocross Champion Marmont, Reed acknowledged that Jay was without a doubt the best candidate and his performance was the benchmark of the Australian Motocross scene.

“Trying to make the ‘smartest’ decision, isn’t always the easiest decision so it is really hard for me to announce that I am not going to be racing in the 2010 MX of Nations,” Reed said.

“I am always extremely proud to represent my country at this event, not only is it an honour to be chosen, Team Australia has always been a case of my best mates and I racing together. However, based on my performance and health this year I have to make a smart decision and I feel that there is someone else who deserve this honour more than I do.

“For the past three years no one has come close to Jay’s performance in the Australian Motocross scene. Even in the middle of the greatest personal adversity he didn’t drop the ball once and I think he will truly do his country proud.”

“Getting well is my number one priority right now, I have to be healthy and ready for the 2011 AMA Supercross Series and AMA Pro Motocross Championship. I’m doing everything I can to be back and ready to race and I sincerely hope I can earn the right to be chosen to represent Australia again next year.

Three-time MX Nationals Champion Jay Marmont will replace Reed on Team Australia.

“Many people have said to me ‘everything happens for a reason’, this train wreck of a year has forced some changes in my program which I think have been a blessing in disguise. I have so much passion for this sport and I still have the drive to work hard and win. A big thank-you to all my family, friends and fans who continue to support me,” Reed concluded.

Reed’s racing plans for the remainder of 2010 season remain uncertain at this time, he will consult with doctors following test results at the completion of his treatment to determine the next steps.

Reserve rider Marmont will have some big shoes to fill, as he steps up to replace Reed. Speaking after the announcement, the Wollongong local was excited about the opportunity to represent his country for the first time.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Marmont said. “I was wondering if I would ever get my shot because the last few years, even though I’ve done well domestically, there’s always been a strong group of riders based in America.

“When I got the call I was over the moon and now I’m just so excited to go over there – to race guys I’ve never raced before and most importantly to represent my country. I’ve always been a team player and been consistent in my racing so I’m going to give it all I’ve got to put myself and the team in the best position possible.

“We’ve got a strong team – on paper it may not be as strong as we’ve had in the past – but it’s a team with nothing to lose so everyone is going to go out there and give it their all and hopefully we can do well.

“I was reading the other day that the Australian Team came third at the Junior Motocross World Championship and that is something they can be very proud of and if we can go out there and do what they did or even better that would be a huge feat for us.”

CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s Marmont will join American-based Brett Metcalfe and his fellow Honda rider Dean Ferris in the Australian team for this year’s MXoN on 25-26 September at Thunder Valley.