A report out today should but a big smile on just about every fan with the revelation that Ken Roczen is coming to race in Europe once more.
For many fans, the Motocross of Nations is the pinnacle of the sport. It’s the event they look forward to the most each year.
Many pro riders would give anything to represent their country. The chance to lift the Chamberlain Trophy is the stuff of dreams.
So when one of the biggest motocross stars on the planet turned down the chance to represent their country three times, well, some were left bemused but most felt bitterly disappointed.
Ken Roczen hasn’t pulled on his country’s race kit since 2013, when he turned out on home soil in Teutschenthal, Germany. Team Germany was unable to successfully defend their win from the year before and Team Belgium’s Ken De Dycker, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Clement Desalle collectively broke Kenny’s heart.
So for various reasons, Roczen has ducked out of the Nations for the last three years. And while each of those Motocross of Nations has been epic – with Team France winning an incredible three on the bounce – Roczen has been missed.
In fact, he’s been missed more each passing year. The uber-talented 22-year-old Honda HRC rider has gotten better and better every season and fans have been chomping at the bit to see him take on the likes of Romain Febvre, Tony Cairoli and his MX2 old foe Jeffrey Herlings.
With Roczen now on a multi-year deal with Honda, there’s been some hope that the AMA 450 Motocross champion would finally come back to racing the Nations. And a report today from MX Large says Roczen will make himself available for Team Germany this year.
Apparently, in a video interview at the ADAC Supercross in Dortmund, Germany, Roczen said: “I will start the MXoN in Matterley Basin for Germany in 2017.”
I know that’s not a lot. But it’s enough…for now.
If you weren’t already stoked about the Motocross of Nations being on British soil in October, then surely this has put you over the top?
