The Dutch mean business at this years Monster Energy Motocross of Nations and while Team USA and Australia might be struggling to get a team together, the main men in The Netherlands are watering at the mouth at the chance to represent their country.

With the Lawrence brothers not racing and it seemingly likely that Haiden Deegan won’t line-up for Team USA, Jeffrey Herlings and Kay De Wolf are already preparing for battle around the classic Ernee circuit in France, in the first weekends of October.

No doubt, it The Netherlands go with the team Jeffrey Herlings wants, it will be Herlings and De Wolf on 450s and Glenn Coldenhoff on a factory 250 Yamaha. We all know, all three of these men love the event and all raise their game at the MXoN.

“If I was team-manager,” Herlings said. “I would put me and Kay on the 450s and Glenn Coldenhoff on a Yamaha 250 factory bike. I truly think, if Kay and I can stay on this level and one good result from the MX2 guy, we could go for a victory. It is easy, no, but I think we can win. Spain will be strong. France will be strong, depends who America send, but I truly think we can (at least) be on the podium.”

As for De Wolf, who is often making social media jokes with Deegan about turning up at the event, is just concentrating on the men who will arriving, and that mean a very strong Team Belgium team of Lucas and Sasha Coenen and Liam Everts. Whoever comes, de Wolf wants to be ready.

“I agree with Jeffrey, we are riders and not team managers, and I am looking to Jeffrey, and we have something to say. I think we can put a decent result, and I will fight for my country. I have always had good results in the Motocross of Nations, and I will give it 100% for my country.”

Team France must be the early favourite, with more than likely, Romain Febvre, Maxime Renaux and Tom Vialle as the selected team. The French in France around Ernee, are always a tough team to beat.

So, as the teams for the MXoN are being announced, let’s wait and see if we can possibly get a Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac and maybe Levi Kitchen as Team USA. Maybe not as strong as Belgium and The Netherlands, but without doubt, a podium contender.

Team Spain, with Jorge Prado, Guillem Farres and Ruben Fernandez is also a possible winner, but defending champions Australia can probably only hope for a top five as their best result, with not only the Lawrence brothers out, but also Kyle Webster.

One thing that would be cool, a victory for The Netherlands and Jeffrey Herlings arriving at Assen for the MXoN in 2027, with a number one on his bike. In fact, how about if "The Bullet" wins this years MXGP championship, which seems very likely, he spend the whole of 2027 with a number one on his bike.