Heading into the 2016 MXoN, Team Canada appeared to be a very confident group. With Kaven Benoit, Tyler Medaglia and Shawn Maffenbeier all coming off very successful summers, everyone had a feeling that our team would do very well in Italy. After an almost holeshot by Benoit in the opening moto, and clutch comeback rides by Medaglia and Maffenbeier in the other two motos, Team Canada would enjoy their best overall finish since 2007. As he’s been all season long, James Lissimore was in Italy and sent us these incredible photos from the largest motocross event in the world. Congratulations to Team Canada, you did us all proud.
It’s been 30 long years since the MXoN has visited this famous track.
Two-thirds of Team Canada were chilled out and relaxed before the gate dropped in Italy.Adam Robinson (pictured on right) made sure the bikes and the mechanics were ready to perform in Italy.Shawn Maffenbeier was excited to be in Europe for the very first time.War horse Tyler Medaglia did his part in helping Team Canada secure tenth overall.Shawn Maffenbeier looked very comfortable on the tough Maggiora track.Words cannot describe how beautiful this area of the world is.There is no doubt that this guy was happy at the end of the day.A crowd of over 70’000 people jammed into this famous track.As the opening moto was about to be begin, the Team Canada mechanics were very focused.As the gate dropped on the opening moto, Kaven Benoit was near the front of the pack and battling with the best riders in the world.Cooper Webb had a great final moto going until he made a mistake and crashed. Webb’s crash opened the door for Team France to take the overall win.The step-up that Johnny O’Mara made famous in 1986.Shawn Maffenbeier charges through a corner with perfect style.Antonio Cairoli won his class and helped Italy finish in fifth overall.Alex Martin finds his way through the loamy Italian soil.Racing a 450 for the first time, Jeffrey Herlings had a great day in Italy.Shawn Maffenbeier had a week that he will never forget in Italy.All three Canadian riders rode amazing to the day in tenth overall.One of Lissimore’s best photos from Italy.Kaven Benoit charges down a rutted downhill while having one of the best races of his career.Elbows up and charging hard!Team France celebrates after a hard fought win.A perfect way to close out the 2016 MXoN. Congratulations to Team Canada.
