Page 34 - GRIT_86

MARVIN MUSQUIN
450 MX / 1ST
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> There’s always a bit of anticipation when this time of year rolls around, as teams
for the Motocross of Nations are selected. Arguably one of the most substantial races throughout the world of motorsports, each country selects three of their top riders, to compete in an Olympic style format. Europe plays host to many serious territories, and France is always a legitimate contender for a championship run. With numerous com- modities to pick from, many would rightfully assume that the AMA standout of Marvin Musquin would be one of the rst chosen. However, to the displeasure of some, he was held off the list. His frustration was apparent, and coming into the Unadilla Raceway, he looked to channel the anger in a positive force. Bolting off the line of the rst moto, he hounded Dylan Merriam for the lead, doing everything in his power to stay clean along this sea-like raceway. He would make the move quickly, taking the lead and looking to pull from Phil Nicoletti behind. Methodically choosing his lines, his precision throughout these treacherous ruts was remarkable; never overheating or revving the engine, his lanky frame swept across the raceway with ease, rarely seeming to get in a hurry. Jump- ing onto the start straight on lap six, however, he felt a bit of pressure from Eli Tomac, after his own goggles began to malfunction. Adjusting the roll-off lm later on in the lap, Tomac would nd his way around the outside. He would try and stay attached to the jersey of the number one for as long as possible, but he decided to reside in second.
The silver medal position was his, and he looked forward to another opportunity for the remaining moto. Nicoletti would be out front in the early going, with Musquin hounding to make a swift move. And on lap three, his wish would be granted, with Tomac following in tow. Musquin showed immense maturity, never being rattled or ustered as the Kawa- saki would stalk him. The bike would become ultra heavy, yet his deceiving amount of strength would push him forward all thirteen laps. Tomac, although showing an astound- ing pace, couldn’t come to the fender of the KTM. He was hopping through the chop as
if it were a dry day, never letting this monsoon of a day rattle his visualization of victory. He would claim victory, putting a stamp on the weekend, and show his true worth, despite the aforementioned decision.
34 GRITMOTO • AUGUST 12, 2018