Interview with Eli Tomac

Saturday 30 August: Interview by Geoff Meyer for MXGP.com. Photo: Simon Cudby

Last year Eli Tomac really enjoyed a special introduction into the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Despite not winning the teams event he looked strong in his huge battle with Ken Roczen and came close to winning the MX2 overall had it not been for an untimely crash while chasing the German rider.

Geoff Meyer: How did it feel to be selected and how much are you looking forward to coming back to the MXoN?

Eli Tomac: To be selected for Team USA is always a big honour. Going last year was a really cool experience. Although we were disappointed not to win, I hoped back then that I can come back and we know we've got to put together all five motos for the result and hopefully a win. With the team that has been picked I think we have a good chance.

Last year you really looked strong, probably one of the strongest riders on the weekend. Can you remember much about that weekend?

Of course I can. I didn't get a good start in the first moto. I think I spun off the line, I think my dirt was a little dry. I thought it was going to work but it didn't. I went through the pack a little bit and was in third place at one point before I made a really big mistake that sent me flying over the bars. I was flying through the air without my motorcycle, which was a little scary. I was lucky to get up, be healthy, get back on the bike, and finish it out.

That second moto is now part of motocross folklaw. Tell me about that race.In the second moto I had a big battle with Roczen. He got the start, and to me whoever got the start was going to win because we were so close with a big battle all the way through. I did get shuffled back a few times with lappers, which was what hurt me the most, and the fans were really behind him, but he rode a great race.

And the Kegums track, have you looked at it?

I’ve looked at the track on internet and I think it will suit the American riders. We just go and take the whole experience in and hopefully we come away with a win. That is why we are going there. I can’t wait.