Racing: Australia seventh in Motocross of Nations

Team USA - debutants Ryan Dungey and Jake Weimer, together with veteran Ivan Tedesco -- has won the 2009 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Italy, defeating France and Belgium in the annual multi-country showpiece.

It was another disappointing MXoN for Australia, which finished well back in seventh position after a promising start when Chad Reed (Suzuki) pushed world MX1 champion Antonio Cairoli (Yamaha) all the way in the MX1/MX2 battle.

Then it all started to unravel in race two. Michael Byrne (Suzuki) got away to a promising start before a massive mid-air collision with Italian Davide Guarneri (Yamaha). He was a DNF, while the third Aussie Brett Metcalfe (Honda) was ninth - eight spots better than his opening effort.

Than in race three Reed and Byrne got caught up in a massive tangle on the start straight, which was the final nail in the coffin.

Reed fought his way back to ninth, while Byrne was classified as 38th.

"It was great to be in Italy and flying the flag for Australia," said Reed. "We showed a lot of promise early and I felt sure we would be a factor.

"I was happy with my ride in the first moto but knew there was a long way to go.

"Unfortunately there were a few incidents across motos two and threre that ruled us out of contention, it was a very competitive field and there is bound to be trouble when there are so many quality riders vying for the same spot.

"I had a lot of fun but it was not the weekend for us. Australia is and has always been a strong contender at MXoN and I expect the team will put on a good showing again in 2010."

Australia finished on a lowly 73pts, behind America (22), France (30), Belgium (39), Germany (55), Great Britain (55) and the host nation, Italy (59).

France was represented by Steven Frossard, Marvin Musquin and Guiltier Paulin, the latter crashing in the final heat just when victory looked like it would be theirs. The Belgian riders were Clement Desalle, Joel Roelants and Steve Ramon.

But once again America flexed its muscles on the world stage, making it five wins in a row.

"This definitely ranks near the top for me," Dungey said. "It has been a dream to come over here and a real experience to be a part of this, never mind actually winning it. A lot of people told me what it would be like, but when you arrive here you can't help but be amazed.

"We had a good time and full credit to Jake and Ivan; I had a break between the motos but they went back-to-back and that takes a lot of heart and dedication. I am glad we could work together and pull this one off."

Dungey took the individual MX1 victory in Italy, Musquin the MX2 and Italian David Philippaerts the Open class.