Winner of the MX2 class at the Motocross of Nations for the last four years, Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen could sensationally miss the 2014 edition at Kegums in Latvia on September 27-28. The 20 year old German, who is currently fighting for the AMA 450MX title at his first attempt, might decide not to represent his country for the first time since he was selected in 2009.
The reasons for Roczen’s hesitancy are not immediately clear. Rumours behind a possible abstinence range from potential visa problems, to interference in his training and testing programme to a clash with an alleged team and manufacturer change for 2015.
“I don’t know a lot but I know that there is a possibility that he is not coming,” commented Honda World Motocross’ Max Nagl on Saturday at Loket for the Grand Prix of Czech Republic, who is expected to form part of the German trio once more with the likes of Dennis Ulrich and Marcus Schiffer also in the frame. “Some say he doesn’t want to come and others say he has a problem with the Green Card; I’m not sure how this works. We just have to wait. Marcus Schiffer is good friends with him and they are texting a lot but he [Roczen] does not answer this question on whether he will come or not, so we really don’t know.”
Team Manager, Hubert Nagl, father of Max who memorably oversaw the landmark German victory at Lommel in 2013, commented that he believed the more pressing issue was one of visa status. It could mean problems for Roczen to travel from and then return to the U.S where he will need to start testing and preparing for the 2015 supercross season through October and even be ready in time for the fourth Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas on October 18th. There is also the matter of the brand new Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2014 race in Pomona just outside LA the week after Latvia that could require Roczen’s presence. Nagl Snr said that he expected a definitive verdict on the scenario within two weeks.
The last time Roczen competed at Kegums in 2011 he won both motos of the MX2 class with Red Bull KTM for a comprehensive overall victory in his championship year.
Photo by Simon Cudby
