Image: Supplied.

Team USA’s Zach Osborne insists travelling to Europe to prepare weeks in advance of the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) has been worthwhile, as he and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Jason Anderson have spent considerable time acquainting themselves with a selection of notoriously sandy circuits.

The Assen event will see sand trucked into the road racing venue, making for a unique track will test the world’s best riders this weekend in the Netherlands.

Osborne and Anderson were recently joined by MX2 challenger Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamaha Yamalube Star Racing), as the American squad endeavours to claims its first Chamberlain Trophy since 2011.

“It’s a real honour for me to be competing for Team USA at the Motocross of Nations this year, and something I’ve been focusing on for a while,” said Osborne. “Coming over to Europe early to get set-up and ready for the race has been great – a lot of fun and very worthwhile.

“Assen is going to be tough, but I think we have a pretty strong team. We have three guys who really want to be here, they’re enthusiastic about the event and I think that’s half the battle. The track is certainly unique, but I feel like I’m as ready as I can be. I’m focused on making it happen and looking forward to racing for my country.”

Saturday will see the opening practice sessions and qualification races take place, while Sunday will play host to the motos for the MXoN crown.