The 70th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) is set to take place at the iconic Maggiora circuit in Italy this Sunday, 25 September. The 2016 event will see a host of the worlds best riders converge into the Italian venue to try their hand at earning the Chamberlain Trophy for their respective countries. MotoOnline.com.au has selected six teams to watch at this weekend’s event.

Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

6. New Zealand – Cody Cooper (MXGP), Josiah Natzke (MX2) and Hamish Harwood (Open):
New Zealand enter the 2016 MXoN with an experienced field – Cody Cooper has raced the event on numerous occasions, as has Hamish Harwood in recent years. Josiah Natzke will make his MXoN debut, however after contesting the European championship with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, he shouldn’t have any issues racing at such a large event.

5. Australia – Todd Waters (MXGP), Mitch Evans (MX2) and Dean Ferris (Open):
Team Australia has been struck with bad luck leading into this years edition of the MXoN following the scratching of Kirk Gibbs and Jed Beaton due to injury. Todd Waters and Dean Ferris carry a wealth of international experience between them, and while last minute addition Mitch Evans has previously raced the World Junior Motocross Championships, the 17-year-old will make his debut on the world stage as a professional rider this weekend.

4. The Netherlands – Glenn Coldenhoff (MXGP), Brian Bogers (MX2) and Jeffrey Herlings (Open):
The Netherlands has entered an extremely strong team for 2016 with the potential to disrupt the common teams in the top three. MXGP regulars Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Bogers will be joined by recently crowned MX2 world champion Jeffrey Herlings, who will step-up to 450 marking the beginning of his fulltime move to premier class.

Source: Supplied.

3. Belgium – Kevin Strijbos (MXGP), Brent Van Doninck (MX2) and Jeremy Van Horebeek (Open):
Following the last minute withdrawal of injured rider Clement Desalle, the Belgian team have been forced to shuffle their roster around. Kevin Stijbos will remain as their MXGP rider, while Jeremy Van Horebeek was slated to race in the MX2 category, however he has been shifted into the Open category to allow Brent Van Doninck into the squad.

2. USA – Cooper Webb (MXGP), Alex Martin (MX2) and Jason Anderson (Open):
You can never count out Team USA, and their line-up this year could potentially put them back on the top step which they once dominated. Cooper Webb, Alex Martin and Jason Anderson are incredibly strong riders, it will just be a matter of how they adapt to the Maggiora circuit.

1. France – Romain Febvre (MXGP), Benoit Paturel (MX2) Gautier Paulin (Open):
As the defending MXoN champions, France have submitted a team that could earn them the Chamberlain Trophy for a third consecutive year. With a former world champion and two MXGP podium regulars on their side, France are the team to beat in 2016.