Eli Tomac is preparing for his MXoN debut with Team USA in Germany. Image: Simon Cudby.

Newly-crowned American 250 Class national champion Eli Tomac will make his FIM Motocross of Nations debut this weekend in Germany, honoured to represent Team USA alongside teammates Ryan Dungey and Justin Barcia.

The GEICO Honda rider will represent Team USA in MX2 at Teutschenthal, focused on gaining redemption for America on defending champion Germany’s home soil.

“Des Nations is one of those races every rider wants on their resume,” Tomac said upon departure for Europe. “It signifies that you’re one of the top riders in your country and that’s huge. I’m honoured and humbled to be a part of Team USA, and I can’t wait to get over there and do everything we can to win this race.”

Team USA has emerged victorious from MXoN a record 22 times and is once again considered the favorite coming into the multinational event. But last year in the loamy sand of Lommel, Belgium, the powerful group from the US was relegated to third, finishing behind this year’s host Germany and last year’s home team Belgium.

“I wasn’t a part of last year’s team, but I’ve talked a lot with Justin and Ryan about that race and I know how much they want to redeem themselves,” Tomac continued. “I want to do everything I can to help the USA get the title back. It’s very important to all three of us.

“The Teutschenthal track should be way different than Lommel. It’s hard-pack clay, so it will seem a lot more familiar to us. It’s not going to be easy by any stretch, especially with the German team being at home. The crowd will be on their side, for sure, and it will be a crazy atmosphere, but I’m pumped.

“It’s very unique knowing that you’re representing your country. It’s like the Olympics, where it’s us against everyone else. The fact we’re going to another country kind of adds to that feeling.

“Most of the guys we’re competing against are guys we’ve all raced before, so the same things that make us successful at home will apply. We’ll need good starts and we’ll need to avoid mistakes. We all know what to do – now it’s time to execute.”