Former world champ Jordi Tixier will ride as a replacement for injured Romain Febvre in the French MX of Nations team, despite him splitting with his BOS squad and not having a ride!

Many thought Marvin Musquin would be a natural replacement, but it’s alleged he booked a holiday after being snubbed for the original pick. After winning the Red Bud US Nation where the Nations will be held next month, Musquin vented his anger on social media about being left out of the team.

The French team has also banned former team rider David Vuillemin from being part of the backup team after he made controversial comments about the team pick on social media. Vuillemin coaches team rider Dylan Ferrandis who has the MX2 slot. The other rider is Gautier Paulin.