The Auto-Cycle Union is pleased to confirm its Team GB rider line-up for the upcoming Motocross of Nations which will be hosted by the USA on 3-5 October.
Words by ACU – Images courtesy of Insight Media
MXGP and MXGB rider Josh Gilbert will race in the MX1 category, AMA Supercross ace Dylan Walsh has been selected to ride in MX2, while multiple British Champion Conrad Mewse will wear the ACU Team GB jersey in the Open category.
Ben Watson was on the original MXoN entry list, but the 28-year-old – who won the MXGP category at the 2021 event – will no longer be riding for Team GB.
Team Manager Mark Chamberlain explained: “Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite get it done with Ben and his team to join us in the US next month. I’m hoping we can work with him again at future events because he has a lot to offer the squad.”
This year’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations event will be held at Ironman Raceway in Indiana and will pitch 38 teams and 114 riders from across the world against one another.
Team GB, supported by the ACU as the national governing body of motorcycle sport, has won the FIM-organised event 16 times, but finished 12th overall last time out when Tommy Searle, Max Anstie and Conrad Mewse raced in front of thousands of home fans at Matterley Basin in 2024.
The latest squad will be hoping for better fortunes when it travels to central America next month. Mark Chamberlain has been responsible for assembling this year’s rider line-up and pre-event preparations are now underway with Josh, Dylan and Conrad.
He said: “The Nations is a seriously tough event and it’s going to be a tough ask to come out on top with so many strong teams heading to Indiana, but I’m confident in the ability of the three riders we’ve got and I know they’ll give their all for their country.
“Conrad is a multiple British Champion and showed very well for us at Matterley last year as he finished 5th in the Open race. He’s got some really good raw speed and I’m excited to see what he can do this time around with another year and championship title under his belt.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dylan into the team as well. He was born in the UK and has always put himself forward for Team GB. With him being based in the US this year and him being able to put together a good package and bike in the KTM 250, I think he’s the right man for the job. His international experience and familiarity with riding in the US will be a big asset for us.
“Josh had a virus mid-season which hampered his fitness, but he’s come into some really good form recently after a good rest. The timing of his performances in the last few weeks has been good for him considering we’ve had to make a last-minute change to our line-up.”
Five-time British Champion Conrad will travel to Indiana fresh from securing his latest MXGB title earlier this month. This year’s MXoN event will mark the fourth time he’s pulled on the Team GB jersey and he’s planning to give his all at Ironman Raceway.
The Crendon Tru7 Honda rider said: “I’m super excited to get over to America and race in the Nations – I’m hugely thankful to Mark Chamberlain for selecting me. The Nations is the biggest race of the year, and the atmosphere will be incredible. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.
“I’ve never ridden in the US before so this will be a career-first for me. It’s nice to be going over there knowing the British title is wrapped up because I haven’t got anything to hold back for and be cautious about. That means I can go all in for the Nations and my country.”
With four weeks to go until the gates drop in the US, Conrad has plenty of pre-event testing planned to make sure he’s in the best possible shape for the battle ahead.
“I’m feeling good at the moment and the bike’s performing absolutely fantastic,” he said. “The team has got it working great and, along with my suspension guy, we’ve got a great set-up to take to the US.
“There’s a lot of prep going into the Nations and that’s got my full focus. We’ve upped my riding massively, both in terms of how many days I’m testing and the duration I’m on track. I’ll be going there 100% prepared and we won’t have left a single stone unturned in my bid to be the best I can for Team GB.”
