2014 MXON Predictions: Time to Shine

Team Canada 2014 (Medaglia, Benoit and Facciotti), ready to take on the world on September 27-28th in Kegums, Latvia.

As we inch closer to next week’s MXONs, everything seems to be falling into place. The bikes and parts have been shipped to Europe, the KTM Canada part of the team is leaving on Saturday and the rest of Team Canada is due to fly out early next week. Once everyone arrives in Latvia the team will assemble and final preparations will made for the weekend of racing.

While there are many challenges, at the best of times, flying across the Atlantic Ocean, almost everyone on Team Canada has made this trip before. As soon as Team Canada touches down in Latvia they’ll encounter differences in food, language, currency, time and just a general difference in surroundings. However, so will most teams. It’s not like these changes can’t be anticipated, so what could be Team Canada’s biggest obstacle?

In many other sports when athletes compete in big events similar to the MXONs, they’re all very familiar with each other as their paths have crossed many times throughout the season. This is not the case for the MXON; many riders who are there to represent their country may only get to race against the competition once or twice a year, if that. Lining up on the starting gate with a group of riders that you’ve never seen before can be a daunting task, even if your speed is slightly greater. Sometimes it can take a rider a few races before they feel completely comfortable racing in this environment; at a race like the MXON there certainly is no time for this. Each rider must be on their A game from the moment the weekend begins.

This definitely gives a big advantage to all the Grand Prix regulars who will be lining up in Latvia. Since every rider in the world has their own tendencies on the track, the more familiar you are with your competition competition’s ways the easier it is to race against them. I believe that the experience that our Team Canada riders are taking with them to Latvia will be as valuable as their passports. Whether it’s Colton, Kaven or Tyler, all three have been in high pressure situations before and are all proven Championship winners. But, don’t take it from me. To get a little more insight as to how Team Canada might fare next weekend, we asked three individuals who have followed Team Canada’s efforts this summer very closely. Let’s read what Ryan Lockhart, Kyle Beaton and Brett Lee have to say about Team Canada’s chances at the 2014 MXON.

Don’t call Newf if Team Canada doesn’t do well next weekend. He won’t want to hear about it.

Ryan Lockhart

This is the big question everyone is talking about and it’s hard to answer. I feel like this is the year that we have to do well. If we don’t then why even bother going to this event in the future? The team is going over to Latvia with everything they need; the riders have their own bikes with their good suspension and motors. They have their mechanics, all three are coming off incredible summers of racing, like, this is it, there’s no excuse other than bad luck that we don’t do well next week.

What do I think is doing well? I think if we finish top 15 then that will be a good finish for Team Canada. I know speed-wise we’re probably in the top ten, but we’re racing on the Europeans’ home turf and they go fast there. Not just a few of them but all of them; on their tracks they’re very fast. I think even the Americans might have trouble over there. So top 15 is good and if they don’t make the A main then I don’t want to hear about the MXON ever again!

Kyle Beaton (on left) likes Team Canada’s chances in Lativa.

Kyle Beaton

This conversation has come up a lot lately, that’s for sure. I think the team is definitely going over there well prepared, which is the biggest thing. Ryan Gauld has worked hard all summer to raise the funds so they could go to Latvia with all their races bikes and with good support. It’s going to come down to how the boys perform. If they ride like they can then it’s going to be a great weekend. If they choke then everyone is going to be frustrated again. We’re definitely sending the best riders we have right now so this is as good as it gets. The track looks like something that Colton, Kaven and Tyler will know how to ride, so I think we’re all set. As always, though, it will be up to the riders on the bikes! I say we’re going to finish anywhere from 15th to 10th.

Brett Lee likes what he sees as Team Canada heads to Latvia. This team reminds him of the 2004 team that we sent to Belgium.

Brett Lee

I think everything is looking good for this year’s MXON effort. I was actually in Leirop, Belgium back in 2004 and I was so impressed with how Team Canada rode that day; it was incredible. When looking at the team this year, I honestly see a lot of similarities with regards to the riders. In 2004, all three riders were current or former National Champions and this is the case this year as well. Colton, Kaven and Tyler have all won Championships so I just can’t see them not having a great weekend in Latvia.

Also, not to put Gauldy on a pedestal, and nothing against the people who have gone before, but I think he’ll bring a fresh approach to the weekend. Obviously, it’s a stressful few days for everyone so I can see him doing a good job of keeping the mood light. Also, I don’t think he’ll hesitate to tell one of our riders that they’re underachieving so that might be a good thing too. If I had to pick a position I’d say we’re going to be right around eighth to tenth place when it’s all over.