MXoN - a closer look at MX2

Ken Roczen - Ray Archer image

There wouldn't be too many riders who wouldn't tip him to win the MX2 class, having shown great speed in the sand in his three years in the FIM World Motocross Championships.After finishing second to Red Bull KTM Factory rider Marvin Musquin in the 2009 MXoN in Italy, Roczen won the MX2 class in Colorado in America in 2010 and in St Jean d' Angely in France in 2011.

That 09 MXoN saw Roczen score 10-8 results for his runner-up spot to the Frenchman, but he rose to the occasion in 2010, scoring 6-3 scores and even leading the Open/MX2 moto for several laps before being passed by Ben Townley on the bigger 450cc machine.

Continuing his improvement as the fastest MX2 rider in the World, the German sensation then scored 2-4 scores in the 2010 event in France. This time Roczen battled with big bike riders Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto.

Of course Musquin will also be back to try and put his stamp on the event, having also scored well in two of the last three MXoN's. Following his victory in 09 he had terrible luck in 2010, scoring 39-40 results, but came back in 2011 to finish second overall to Roczen.

Another MX2 riders who is more than capable of pulling of the MX2 overall victory are Team USA rider Blake Baggett, who won his first AMA National title this year when he led home fellow Team USA rider Justin Barcia, plus Roczen and Musquin. Baggett won the MX2 qualification race in 2011 before having a terrible day in France, finishing with 17-17 results and finishing fourth overall in the MX2 class.

Team Belgian rider Jeremy Van Horebeek is also a great sand rider, a slight injury that saw him miss last weekend's Grand Prix of Germany might not help his chances, but as he showed at the Grand Prix of Benelux, where he finished second overall to Jeffrey Herlings, the Belgian rider’s speed is more than good enough to run with anyone in the World.

Others who might pull of a surprise in Lommel, are Team Great Britain rider Jake Nicholls, Team Netherlands rider Glenn Coldenhoff or maybe Team Puerto Rico rider Zach Osborne. All three have good speed in sand and produced consistent performances in Lierop a month or so ago.

Whatever happens in Lommel this coming weekend you can be sure that the MX2 class will once again bring some of the most exciting moments as the smaller bikes try and run with the big 350's and 450's in the deep sand.