
Team France conquered the world’s best and some of Britain’s worst weather to be crowned champions at the 2017 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations for the fourth time. The 71st ‘MXoN’ landed at one of the best circuits in Europe and perhaps from the whole international racing community in Matterley Basin, but England in autumn was always going to be risky. The climate didn't quite play ball for the biggest, most famous and historic off-road motorcycle meeting although that didn't stop some of the fastest athletes from attacking the Winchester muddy goo with gusto.
A long lap, sweeping turns, wide areas to assess lines and overtake and of course some spectacular leaps were the key features of the Matterley layout; spruced up and rejigged to welcome back the annual meeting for which it was initially created in 2006. Rig riots, Monster girls, DJ sets and appearances by Ricky Carmichael were just some of the scenes among the carnival weekend and celebrated by a cosmopolitan mix of fans bearing some horrible weather to see-off the motocross racing season with some style.