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Chatter Box: Mattia Guadagnini

Mattia Guadagnini on an MXoN win.

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Mattia Guadagnini continued his impressive rookie term with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing over the weekend, as he arguably led Team Italy to victory at the 2021 Motocross of Nations. 5-6 moto scores (2-2 in comparison to his fellow MX2 riders) were very impressive. Many different riders have struggled with the pressure and crumbled in their first Motocross of Nations. Just imagine how magnified that stress would be on home soil!

Guadagnini discusses the win with Team Italy – the nation’s first since 2002 – and so much more in the exclusive MX Vice interview below. Alessandro Lupino’s penalty is touched on as well, seeing as Guadagnini watched that unfold from pit lane and went through the motions with fans worldwide. It was not straightforward for Team Italy! This interview was first posted as an MX Vice post-race podcast, presented by FLY Racing’s Formula helmet.


Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Ray Archer


MX Vice: You got it done with Team Italy and played a massive part in their win. You could have felt the pressure and crumbled, but I was actually really impressed with your rides.

Mattia Guadagnini: Yeah, this is just the first time for me. It is amazing! We had a strong team in the last few years, but Italy did not have the best result. We were a strong team – three strong riders and good friends – in Italy. This is something really special for me and everybody. I gave my best. I made a mistake in race two, which cost me some points and positions, but we did a good job and we came out with the win thanks to the hard work of everybody. That is what counts! I am really happy and I want to thank everybody in Team Italy who made it possible.

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Ray Archer

This is your first Motocross of Nations, but it is not a normal Motocross of Nations. Did it feel special? Did you feel pressure? Did it feel different to an MXGP round?

Yesterday was completely like a GP. We rode with the MX2 riders and it was just like a normal race, with some riders missing. Today was a bit different. It was the first time for me and I was under pressure. I did not really know how it works at the ‘Nations with the start and gate choice. It was a bit strange for me. I just managed to take two good starts – that was really important with this track. I just gave it my best and they also did a really good job. We did it! That is the most important thing.

How stressful was that last race? It came up on the screen that a penalty was pending, something that I have never seen them do. There were rumours about disqualification and all sorts. How stressful was it for you?

It was… It was really stressful. I was in the pit lane and I was trying to understand something about the points. We were leading with a big gap and then I saw the penalty. I remember that I saw Alessandro [Lupino] go out of the track on the start. I did not really understand anything! We came out with a ten-place penalty, so he needed to pass some riders. It was really crazy to be out there. I think it was worse for them, but for me to watch… I do not even know what to say! The last lap was like a never-ending lap. We understood that it was done, so all of the stress went away. I am just so happy.

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Ray Archer

It is crazy that we are only halfway through your rookie season. You have already had a Grand Prix win, the red plate and now a Motocross of Nations win… You obviously had high expectations coming into this season, but this is unbelievable!

It is unbelievable, yeah. There were many, many years that Italy did not win and it came out like this. Even to get selected for the Motocross of Nations was a dream for me! To get the first win in my first time, and in Italy, it is just crazy. Really, really crazy. I could not be happier at the moment. I am really thankful for everybody and hope to keep it like this. It is already something really, really good. It is okay like this!

Running numbers one, two and three at RedBud is going to be pretty cool as well…

Wow! Yes! I hope to be in the team next year. We will see next year [laughs].

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Monster Energy MXoN

Joel Roelants appointed new Team Manager for Belgium

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I (Joel Roelants) am delighted to announce my appointment as the new Team Manager for Belgium. It is a tremendous honour to lead this team and collaborate with a highly talented generation of riders. My commitment is to elevate Team Belgium’s performance and strive for podium success in the years ahead.


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Bavo Swijgers


While I acknowledge my relative youth in this position, I am driven and motivated to guide this collective effort to new heights. I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who volunteer their time to support our team, as well as our valued sponsors for their unwavering commitment.

I express my appreciation to the Belgian supporters and acknowledge the tireless efforts of the teams working diligently to ensure our riders represent our country with utmost pride. Together, let us embark on this journey towards excellence.

Best regards,
Joel Roelants

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Monster Energy MXoN

The MX Vice Show Episode #155 with Zach Osborne

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In the latest MX Vice Show, Zach Osborne talks to Ed Stratmann and Brad Wheeler about his brilliant career in Europe and America, some of his awesome stories from his time in the GP paddock, his inspirational journey to the top, his future plans, training Jack Chambers, Steve Dixon, launching his new training service, the upcoming 2024 AMA Supercross season and more.

The MX Vice Show is as always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Parts Europe, Scott, Acerbis, Fly Racing, AS3 Performance, ARMA nutrition, Holeshot Motorhomes and Even Strokes for their support of The MX Vice Show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Find out more about Holeshot Motorhomes including the Commander motorhome for motorsports HERE!

Lead Image: AMA Supercross

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Australian Motocross

The MX Vice Show Episode #152 with Lee Hogan

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In the latest MX Vice Show, former Aussie motocross star Lee Hogan talks to MX Vice Editor Ed Stratmann about his commentary and media work, his role as Factory Honda Junior Team Manager, the state of play in Aussie moto and supercross, training young riders, his excellent career, MXoN memories, how thankful he is for all those who support him and much more.

The MX Vice Show is as always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Parts Europe, Scott, Acerbis, Fly Racing, AS3 Performance, ARMA nutrition, Holeshot Motorhomes and Even Strokes for their support of The MX Vice Show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Find out more about Holeshot Motorhomes including the Commander motorhome for motorsports HERE!

Lead Image: Lee Hogan

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