With the Motocross of Nations at RedBud in the USA just over six weeks away, Team GB Manager Mark Chamberlain is working flat-out on the logistics of sending three men and their machines almost 4,000 miles across the Atlantic.
A team announcement is expected imminently but, as Chamberlain was at pains to explain, it’s not just a matter of picking the three men in the best form as budget also plays an important part in the selection process.
“I’m maybe being a bit too honest,” he said, “but I think it would be better if people knew that it wasn’t straightforward and that it’s not just do we choose him, him or him? Potentially, one team combination could cost over £50,000 and we haven’t got it.
“It’s not the ACU – they’ve pushed the budget higher for me – and we’re lucky that we’ve got some top riders on top teams but it comes down to what needs to be shipped out there. Compared to the last time it went to the US and the boys all used bikes over there times have changed.”
It’s not just Team GB feeling the pinch with shipping costs. Recently Team Ireland set up a gofundme page to raise money to get Graeme Irwin, Martin Barr and Stuart Edmonds to the event.
“Hopefully we can name the team any time soon but I just can’t make the decision until I get all the information I need,” added Chamberlain.
“The issue is that to make the selection I need to know how much it costs for each rider and the costs coming in were initially too great.
“So we’re looking to see if we can share with other teams and split the freight.
[more-from heading=”More From MXoN” tag=”mxon”]
“Everyone’s working together to try to make it happen but that’s why it’s not done and dusted yet. We’ve been waiting on other teams to then see what the options are and whether combined freight comes into play or not so we’re in close communication and we have been for quite a while.
“Now we’re just waiting to hear back and then we can crack on.”
