Image: Simon Cudby.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced the riders to compete for Australia in the 2014 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Kegums in Latvia on 27-28 September.

Chad Reed will again don the green and gold in the MX1 class after making a return from injury in the American Pro Motocross series and plans to be at full strength come September.

The MX2 rider will be Dean Ferris, who has been filling the MXGP spot left by fellow Australian Todd Waters in the Red Bull Ice One Husqvarna Racing team. Ferris had a strong MXoN outing for Australia last year with two top five finishes.

Rounding out the trio of Australians competing in Latvia is defending MX Nationals champion Matt Moss, who will make a surprise appearance in the Open class after American-based South Australian Brett Metcalfe recently opted out of the running.

MX Nationals contenders Kirk Gibbs has been named the 450 class reserve and Luke Clout the 250 reserve.

Team manager Gary Benn is confident of three-man team announced by Motorcycling Australia.

“The Australian team for the MXoN in Latvia of Chad Reed, Dean Ferris and Matt Moss, I feel, is a very strong team,” Benn said. “All three riders have a lot of international experience.

“Both Chad and Matt have stood on the podium at the MXoN before and Dean’s great ride last year should put Australia in a strong position this year in Latvia.”

This year, Benn will be assisted in managing the team during the MXoN by Michael Byrne.

“I feel really honoured to be asked to help MA and team Australia for MXON in Latvia this year.” Byrne said of his appointment. “I believe we have a solid team with a good shot at being on the podium again, I’m looking forward to working with and helping Chad, Dean and Matt at the race to get Australia a great result.”

Benn said he’s grateful of the addition of Byrne to the team and is looking forward to Byrne’s wealth of experience he will bring to the Australian camp.

“The addition of Michael Byrne to the team has been a great help to me leading up to the race but more important with his vast experience at international and MXoN level,” Benn added. “He will be of great assistance to the riders on race weekend. All this would not be possible with out the growing support from MA and their staff”.

With an all-time best result of third during the 2011 event featuring Reed, Moss and Metcalfe, Team Australia placed fourth last year in Belgium and will hope to improve to a podium finish again in 2014.