This is the second consecutive year the United States has been unable to participate in the FIM Jr. Motocross World Championship. The U.S. did compete in the event the five years prior to 2015, winning the team title four of those years.
In addition, U.S. riders have won four individual titles in recent years. They include Eli Tomac, the 2010 125cc champion; Jake Pinhancos, the 2011 65cc champion; Joey Savatgy, the 2012 125cc champion; and Aiden Tijero, the 2013 65cc champion.
“We hope to be able to return to the event in 2017,” Bigelow said. “It is our goal to recapture the world title. For 2016, we wish the rest of the motocross world good fortune as they compete for this high-profile championship.”