Cody Cooper will lead Team New Zealand’s Motocross of Nations charge as senior rider. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Cody Cooper, Rhys Carter and Kayne Lamont will form the front line of defence for New Zealand’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN) effort next month, with the team to be managed by the vastly-experienced Josh Coppins.

All three currently contest the Monster Energy MX Nationals, and will be hopeful of riding momentum built from 10 rounds of competition.

The lineup brings a breadth of international experience to the fore, with Cooper and Lamont returning to the team after a successful showing in 2012 where they finished 15th from over 30 competing countries.

Carter will make his MXoN debut at the 29 September event in Leipzig, Germany, and racer-turned-team manager Coppins believes he is up to the task.

“It will be a first for Rhys to ride this event and it is a huge undertaking but we will be calling on the experienced Cooper to step up and make another huge effort as our lead rider,” said Coppins.

“These three riders are currently racing in Australia and they are extremely fit.”

Bryan Davidson, Motorcycling New Zealand’s motocross commissioner, felt the selected riders would capably represent the country against the world’s best.

“It is a good mix of youth and experience, and, following on from last year, we have selected the riders that gained so positively from being involved in 2012,” said Davidson.

“It is also a privilege for the team to be managed by Josh Coppins, who will no doubt follow on from the excellent work done by Tony Cooksley in recent years.”

Last year’s MXoN, held in Lommel, Belgium, was won by the German team.