Reed leads Australia to first-ever MX of Nations podium

Posted by Craig Bess on 9/19/2011 to News

Reed leads Australia to first-ever MX of Nations podium

September 19, 2011.

Chad Reed has led Team Australia to a historic first-ever podium finish at the Motocross of Nations at St Jean dAngely in France.

The TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing rider was dominant in his first moto of the event, taking the holeshot and leading from start to finish in the MX1 class to kick Australias campaign off in strong fashion.

The result marked Reeds second moto win at the Motocross of Nations, the first coming exactly 10 years ago in Belgium.

Seventh place in the second and final moto saw Reed finish fourth overall for the event, but crucially, contribute strong points alongside the efforts of teammates Brett Metcalfe and Matt Moss to secure third for the team.

11 years ago was my first Motocross des Nations event and I was just as excited as ever to pull on the green and gold jersey this weekend, said Reed.

Australias had a tough run in the past and consistency has really cost us it wasnt all smooth sailing this time around but we fought hard and managed to get onto the podium which is awesome.

I was feeling it in the first moto. If you dont start well then youre going to get slowed down and I knew Id have to get away from the gates fast.

I got the holeshot and held on to win my second des Nations moto which I was pumped about.

My second moto wasnt great but its all about the team effort here. I fought as hard as I could and so did Metty (Brett Metcalfe) and Mossy (Matt Moss) we scored just enough points to hold off Great Britain for the podium.

Australia finished just 5 points shy of second-placed France with a further 13 points separating them from powerhouse motocross nation and winner, the United States.

65th Motocross of Nations Classification
1. USA, 26 points; 2. France 39p; 3. Australia 44p; 4. Great Britain 46p; 5. Belgium 54p; 6. South Africa 56p; 7. Germany 58p; 8. Spain 58p; 9. Netherlands 81p; 10. Estonia 86p; 13. Japan 98p