A track built on a hillside, vocal French fans, and uncertain team rosters make the 79th Motocross of Nations a weekend of variables. Jason Thomas previews the venue, team lineups, and the questions that could decide the outcome.
Ernée’s hillside layout and packed French crowds create a stadium-like atmosphere that favors riders with European experience and strong starts.
Nearly every top team enters with a roster issue or late change, increasing unpredictability—France looks strongest on paper if Mathis Valin is fit.
Injuries and fill-ins are widespread: Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy all faced last-minute alterations that could shift podium odds.
# Venue and Atmosphere Ernée, in northwestern France, hosts the 79th Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. The track sits on a hillside with fans spread across a bottom bowl, producing an enclosed, stadium-like feel. French crowds turn out in large numbers and bring an intensity that other European venues rarely match.
The layout forces constant elevation change and off-camber corners. Late-day sun reduces traction and casts shadows across berms and ruts, which complicates line choice and braking points. Riders unfamiliar with professional European tracks often show visible shock when faced with Ernée's demands.
# Team Dynamics and Uncertainty This year's team lineups are unusually unsettled. Multiple nations are coping with injuries, last-minute substitutions, or riders stepping into unfamiliar roles.
Across the field, nearly every team carries at least one question mark. That levels the playing field and raises the value of consistency and adaptability during the race day program.
# Matter Ernée's configuration penalizes slow or messy starts. Traction deteriorates as the day warms, and the sun creates visual challenges that can hide ruts and change grip mid-race. Riders who can quickly find rhythm and nail the gate drops are more likely to deliver error-free motos.
Team USA has historically struggled for immediate adaptation at this venue. Past editions left visible signs of riders overwhelmed by the layout and atmosphere. Cooper Webb's past experience at Ernée could help, but the speed of adjustment among newer teammates will be critical.
# Schedule and Event Structure
Live coverage windows and the race order matter for teams' tactical choices: later motos see a track that has been more heavily rutted and exposed to low-angle sunlight.
# What to Watch on Race Day
Small margins and consistency will decide the podium. With so many roster questions, expect surprises and opportunity for less-favored teams that avoid mistakes.
Who will win and podium? Here's a guide, as nearly every team has a question mark to overcome this weekend.
Take a look at the official list featuring 33 nations that will be represented.
The best race of the year is here! I absolutely love the Motocross of Nations and can’t wait to watch despite the USA not sending their best team. This year France hosts and the race is in Ernee. This is the 4th time Ernee has hosted the MXoN as a venue. The previous times were:…
At the event, 120 of the most talented young riders from across the globe, representing 34 countries, will line up on the same track as the sport’s biggest MXGP stars from all over the world.
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