It was three Kiwis against the world in the United States at the weekend and, though fighting incredible odds, they made sure the silver fern flag was flown high in front of the more than 20,000-strong crowd.
Motueka's Josh Coppins, Taupo's Ben Townley and Hawera's Brad Groombridge faced the elite riders
from 30 countries at the 64th annual Motocross of Nations event, on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado and it was an absolute scorcher and a boil-over was threatened.
The host American team looked destined to lose the title it had won on the previous five occasions as the trio from Germany led the points table after two of the three races.
Instead, Team USA came on strong in that all-important final outing and wrapped up its sixth consecutive title, celebrating its 21st outright win in the competition's 64-year history.
Runners-up were the men from Belgium, with Team Germany forced to settle for third place.
It was a return to the status quo for the Kiwis too, with Team New Zealand eventually finishing eighth overall.
Coppins finished 11th and 14th in his two outings, and Groombridge finished 29th and 36th, while Townley experienced a massive high and an incredible low when he won his first race but did not finish the next.
"It's sad it didn't quite work out for us this year," said Coppins.
"I want to thank all the people who helped make this weekend possible for Team NZ and, to all the supporters who made the trip, waved banners and shouted their support, also a huge thank you."
The Motocross of Nations next year is set for St Jean D'Angely in France.
