Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s current leaders of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo, won’t be available for the 2019 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

Kawasaki has announced that neither rider will be available for the Assen event in the Netherlands on 28-29 September, instead opting to focus on preparations for next season when they’re paired together riding the KX450.

After contact was made by the AMA, it was established that the factory Kawasaki team or its riders wouldn’t be considered for Team USA, but the manufacturer will assess any future invitations received. According to Kawasaki, both riders were in agreement with the decision.

“Being chosen to represent the USA is always an honour,” Tomac commented. “I am a patriotic guy, so attending Motocross of Nations is something I always look forward to and embrace the challenge of the unique race.

“However, after speaking with the team I understand and support their reasoning for not attending this year’s event. Winning MXoN is something that is still on my checklist, but my priority right now is winning a Monster Energy Supercross title.”

Cianciarulo added: “It would be an incredible and humbling honour to be chosen to represent Team USA. For me, it has always been something I have watched and wanted to be chosen for, but I understand the team’s decision and I know I have a lot of work and new challenges ahead of me by moving up to the 450 class.”

Tomac has represented Team USA on multiple occasions including 2013, 2014 and also last year at RedBud, while Cianciarulo is yet to form part of the American team at the high-profile international event.