Team germany
Max Nagl (MX1)
This is really great, especially after what I've been through this year. Few believed in me anymore, but since I returned everything has been going great, this tops it all off. I had a good day, normally I like to ride in the sand, but today the circuit was completely different.
Ken Roczen (MX2)
The weekend started well on Saturday in the qualifying matches. Our goal was to finish on the podium but I never expected the win. This is the first overall victory for Germany and next year we can start in front of our own audience with the magical numbers 1, 2 and 3!
Marcus Schiffer (OPEN)
This is incredible ! I know I had to perform strongly to get Germany on the podium. I had to go very deep, because I'm not used to that speed. The first heat went great and the super exciting second heat also went well. I am super happy !
Team manager Hubert Nagl
We were just looking at the challenge cup and only saw countries such as Belgium, USA and England among the past winners. Then I realized that we won this for the first time in history. I can't thank these riders enough, because they made sure I became world champion too!
Team Belgium
Clement Desalle (MX1):
I am satisfied that we are on the podium, but also disappointed. We resolutely went for victory but unfortunately the Germans were stronger today. My hand was no longer bothering me, but at the end of the first moto I made a bad move with my shoulder. This did bother me a bit at the end of the second series.
Ken de Dycker (OPEN)
In the first moto I came into contact with Barcia and my gear lever bent under the bike, so I could no longer shift gears. All in all, I was still able to limit the damage. In the second moto I gave everything I had, but at the end I suffered from cramps in my legs. It is a pity that we missed out on the victory, but we still have to be satisfied with this second place.
Jeremy van Horebeek (MX2)
The first heat was mediocre and everyone pushed me to get a good start in the second heat, which I eventually succeeded. I was in fourth position but soon noticed a strange noise from the engine. Two laps later it was over. I'm really disappointed that I couldn't finish the second moto. The circuit was a lot harder and that's when I'm at my best. Anyway, we're still on the podium.
Team manager Joel Smets
Like the drivers, I am also disappointed, because we were going for the win. We had a good chance but we also knew it would be very difficult. We didn't have a series winner in the team, but we did have a strong regular block. Jeremy's broken engine threw a spanner in the works, but we participate in a mechanical sport and that's just part of it. The Germans were very strong today and deserve the victory.
Team USA
Ryan Dungey (MX1)
I'm disappointed that we don't win today, but third is still good. We generally noticed this weekend that sand is our weak point. Everyone did what they could and this is no excuse, but these circuits require a special technique that we have not mastered. Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings possess that technique like no other and were a joy to watch.
Blake Baggett (MX2)
I have never seen this sand, not even on the beaches in California. We were here with our best team and gave the best of ourselves. The circuit was so tough and for me it was the biggest nightmare I could imagine. Sincere congratulations to Germany and the Belgians, those men are real animals in that sand!
Justin Barcia (OPEN)
This was my first time in the Motocross of Nations. The team was fantastic and everyone did what they could. I thought I could ride in the sand but that turned out not to be the case today. The race was so tough, there was no end to it. I tried to hang on as best I could but this was unlike anything I have ever ridden.
Team Manager Roger Decoster
I knew in advance that the sand would be a determining factor. We arrived a week in advance to train in the sand, but apparently that was not enough. Next time in Lommel I will call Stefan Everts to ask if they can move in with him for a few months. I would like to congratulate Cairoli and Herlings and also thank them for the driving lesson they gave everyone today. They are truly formidable to watch.