Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac has confirmed he will not compete at the 2016 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations event set to take place Maggiora, Italy, on 25 September.

Honoured to have been chosen to represent the Team USA in 2013 and 2014, the Colorado native admits the decision to withdraw from the iconic event due to a heavy racing schedule was not easy.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” said Tomac. “I have raced the Motocross of Nations twice now and it has always been an honor to be chosen for this prestigious event.”

Set to contest the two US grand prix events following the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Charlotte and Glen Helen in September, the Team USA MX1 favourite believes he and the team will be unable to prepare for the event due to his busy schedule.

“This year, due to the race schedule being so full and the commitments I have made for the month of September, the team and I will not have the time and preparation needed to compete in a race as big as the Motocross of Nations,” he explained.

“Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to represent the US again in the future. I wish Team USA 2016 the best as they compete against the world in Italy and look forward to seeing us back on top of the box where we belong.”

Team USA, once a Motocross of Nations powerhouse, has not claimed top honours at the event since 2011.