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JUSTIN BARCIA
Although Justin Barcia has never been fea- tured on a winning team at the Motocross des Nations, it was the fourth time that Bam Bam has represented Team USA in the event. The New Yorker always seems to step it up for the occasion and rides
with undying passion and determination when called upon by his country, wearing his heart on the sleeve of his jersey at all times. He has had a strange season which started with a massive career resurgence under the Factory Yamaha semi, due to a fill-in ride that started at the beginning of the year in the absence of Davi Millsaps. Barcia has turned his career around in the 2018 season by returning to the old form that earned him a couple of 250SX titles, finishing on the podium at multiple super- cross and motocross rounds throughout
the year, including 3rd overall at RedBud. The Yamaha rider ended the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season with a bang as he dominated proceedings at the Ironman National in sloppy conditions, piecing to- gether 1-1 moto scores in order to take the overall victory. It appeared as though things would work in Barcia’s advantage as the skies opened up over RedBud in the days preceding the event, but it didn’t work out in Team USA’s favor as it leveled the playing field for the European riders as well. Barcia was one of the silver linings for the team
on Saturday, performing well in the Open Qualifying Heat on as he rode smoothly and comfortably to a 2nd place finish behind Glenn Coldenhoff. He salvaged a decent gate pick for the main races, but he wasn’t able to find the same good fortune on Sunday. Poor starts, small mistakes, and a flat tire on the final lap put a damper on his day as he struggled on his way to 9-13 moto scores.
62 THE PULSE • ISSUE SIX