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Aussies secure first-ever podium at 2011 Motocross of Nations
Team Australia has created history, claiming third at the 2011 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in St Jean d’Angely.
In a brilliant performance by the Chad Reed-led Australian team, the Aussies held off a determined Great Britain to secure the third and final podium position.
Joined by fellow Aussies Brett Metcalfe and Matt Moss the team finished two points clear in third position, behind France and 2011 winners, USA.
Returning to MXoN action after missing last year’s event, Reed did not miss a beat and set Australia on the right path with an outstanding win of the MX1 + MX2 Race.
In one of the great performances by an Australian at the MXoN, Reed claimed the holeshot and fought off the challenges of American Ryan Dungey as the heavens opened on the track.
The two-time Supercross World Champion proved his quality in the outdoor arena, mastering the conditions to take the chequered flag and putting Australia in the box seat for podium success.
Metcalfe built on the efforts by Reed, recording a seventh in MX2 + Open Race, but Australia languished in 19th needing nothing short of a miracle to pull off a podium finish heading into the all-important MX1 + Open Race
Reed was again outstanding to finish seventh, while Metcalfe recovered from a late fall to cross the line in 10th to secure Australia third place and a spot on the final podium.
A jubilant Brett Metcalfe said securing the podium finish was a piece of Motocross history he was proud to be a part of.
“Every time you come over to Europe the Nations is massive,” Metcalfe said.
“It's just good to be part of Team Australia and represent our country, and it's just awesome to get that Monkey off our back and finally feel like we are a strong country for Motocross so it's great."
Motorcycling Australia (MA) would like to congratulate Reed, Metcalfe, Moss and Team Manager Gary Benn on their fantastic performance in France.
MXoN Final Results:
- USA 26
- France 39
- Australia 44
- Great Britain 46
- Belgium 54
Australian Rider Results:
Chad Reed 1-7
Brett Metcalfe 7-10
Matt Moss 19-DNS (Suffered mechanical issues during warm up lap for second race)
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