American Motorcyclist Association congratulates Team USA on best-ever finish at Trial des Nations

With all the Olympic excitement in the air, I'd like to throw a shout-out to Patrick and the rest of the United States Trials team on it's best finish ever in international competition.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to congratulate Team USA on its performance at the Trial des Nations (TdN), held in Darfo Boario Terme, Italy, on Sept. 19-20. Competing in the premier classification, the men's squad of Patrick Smage, Cody Webb, Will Ibsen and Keith Wineland scored fifth place overall, America's best finish ever in the world championship event.

"The world stage for trials competition is enormously competitive, and this event often features the most difficult terrain our riders face all year," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "The AMA is proud of both the effort and result of Team USA this year."

The Spanish team of Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Jeroni Fajardo and Albert Cabestany won the TdN this year. Defeating the Great Britain team by an amazing 65 points, it was Spain's sixth TdN title in a row.

According to U.S. team manager Kip Webb, Team USA "pretty much gave a go at each section with some very good rides. We still have a way to go to catch the top teams, but our guys didn't back down from the challenge. We finished in fifth position, which is an all-time high for an American TdN effort."

Rain on Saturday night had already left the ground greasy in some places, but when the skies opened on the second lap, the steep rocky outcrops presented a new level of difficulty. Without exception, all five teams in the top class suffered heavier point losses on their second trip through the 18 sections around the small spa town. Despite the radical change in conditions, Spain's win was never in doubt.

This weekend we're off to Columbus, Ohio for round 4 of the AMA EnduroCross series.