Ferris leads Australia to fourth in MoN

Led by a magnificent performance from Dean Ferris, Team Australia has finished fourth in the 2013 Motocross of Nations (MoN), held at a difficult and rutty track in Teutschenthal, Germany on September 28-29.

Ferris (Yamaha, pictured first) was fourth and fifth in his two races, with great support from Brett Metcalfe (Kawasaki, 8-10) and Todd Waters (KTM, 20-13). Australia finished on 40pts in the 67th running of the MoN, behind Belgium (27pts), America (30) and Italy (33). It was Belgium’s first win since 2004, its outstanding depth getting the job done -- while Italy's Antonio Cairoli was the individual star with two wins from as many starts. Germany's Ken Roczen was the other race victor.

“It would have been awesome to get on the podium but the boys put in everything they could today and we’re pumped,” said Ferris, who was second overall in the MX2 class. “And I’m super-pumped about the way I rode!

“Three decent starts and solid top five all day, and P1 in practice. I liked it out there. The more ruts the merrier and the more technical it is the better I go especially when the bike is working good.

“Today was probably the fastest I have ridden – after a bit of testing during the week - and there is no reason why I cannot get faster and faster with that set-up.”

Todd Waters said: “It was a hard day but I had a ball. Coming down in the first Moto and bending my front disc I had no front brake the whole race. Teutschenthal is not the kind of track I would like that to ever happen on again, but I did what I could.

"Second race I came down again with a heap of other top guys but I put that behind me and did my best. Yes I didn't get the result and starts I was after but from here I know what I can work on for my racing over here next year. The Aussie team did a great job and I’m proud of all you guys.

"I’d also like to say a massive thanks to Motorcycling Australia and the people who made this happen this year. Rob Twyerould and Jeff Leisk have been a massive part of my racing this year as have my mum, dad, sister Nikki and my girlfriend Gillian. You guys rock. Thanks.”

The result was equal to Australia’s second best finish at the MoN.

Race 2 (MX2 and Open)
1. Ken Roczen, Germany KTM, 33:32.919
2. Eli Tomac, USA Honda, 33:33.472
3. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki, 34:21.946
4. Justin Barcia, USA, 34:29.888
5, Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha, 34:37.707
20. Todd Waters, Australia, KTM +1 lap

Race 3 (MX1 and Open)
1, Tony Cairoli, Italy, KTM, 34:41.993
2, Ken de Dycker, Belgium, KTM, 34:44.8423
3, Evgeny Bobryshev, Russia, Honda, 34:45.138
4, Max Nagl, Germany, 34:46.602
5, Tommy Searle, UK, Kaasaki, 34:52.476
8, Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Kawasaki, 35:21.254
13. Todd Waters, Australia, KTM 35:35.114

Nations classification
1, Belgium:
2, USA
3, Italy
4, Australia
5, France

For full results, visit www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx?ct=7&c=6.

Second image credit: R Archer