News 27 Sep 2022

Disappointment admits Musquin in Nations runner-up

Former MX2 world champion P3 in return to lightweight class.

Image: Octopi Media.

French MX2 representative Marvin Musquin admitted he was left disappointed following the weekend’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN), despite delivering podium form in what was a successful step back to the 250 for him.

Team France last won the event in 2018, but had not featured on the podium since, with the line-up of Maxime Renaux (MXGP), Musquin (MX2) and Dylan Ferrandis (Open) a dark-horse for victory entering RedBud.

For Musquin, MXoN marked his second competitive outing in the 250 class, having competed at the final round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in Pala to prepare for his MX2 appearance with Team France.

In Saturday’s qualifying heat, Musquin finished third before wet conditions intensified the challenge on Sunday – especially for the 250 entries. The former MX2 world champion delivered 14-9 results and concluded the day P3 in the lightweight category.

“I knew my teammates, they were really good, so I’m really proud,” Musquin said. “Obviously the second moto the track conditions were very difficult… I wish we raced same as yesterday, it would have been awesome and better for us.

“Also for me, the conditions were tough for me on the 250. I gave my best and I rode better and better, but a little bit disappointed, to be honest. Second place is a good result, but we were fighting and wanted to win.

“It was a great opportunity and honor to represent my country. I got the call to ride the 250 while I was on vacation and it seemed a bit crazy, but I wanted to go for it, so I trained and prepared and it was definitely a bit easier riding on Saturday compared to Sunday.

“I had two super-strong teammates. I’m a little disappointed with my results, but I gave my best and all I had. It is amazing to be up here and on the podium with Team France again.”

Team France was ultimately seven points from winners Team USA, with Musquin now set to return to a 450 on a Supercross-only contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and compete in the Monster Energy Supercross Championship again next year.

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