Australia has officially confirmed its lineup for the 2026 Motocross of Nations, with reigning champions set to arrive in Ernée, France, with a completely new-look roster following the absences of Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence and Kyle Webster.
After back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025, Australia faces a very different challenge this year. The Lawrence brothers announced earlier in the season that they would skip the event due to the demanding race schedule they have carried over the last two years, while Webster was later ruled out with a shoulder injury.
As a result, Motorcycling Australia has turned to a new generation of talent, selecting Jed Beaton, Aaron Tanti and Alex Larwood to represent the nation at the 79th edition of the prestigious event.
The trio has earned its place through impressive performances in the Australian Motocross Championship, but their selection also creates a remarkable piece of history. It will mark the first time since 1997 that Australia fields an entirely debutant lineup at the Motocross of Nations.
Among the three riders, Beaton arguably arrives with the strongest international résumé. The Tasmanian enjoyed successful seasons in Europe and finished inside the overall MX2 championship top five in both 2019 and 2020. Despite his experience on the world stage, he has never competed at the Motocross of Nations. He was originally selected in 2016 but was forced to withdraw after suffering a broken collarbone before the event.
Tanti heads to Ernée as the newly crowned Australian MX1 champion with CDR Yamaha, while Larwood secured his first MXoN call-up after a breakthrough season in MX2 that culminated with the national title.
Australia may not have the riders who led the country to consecutive Chamberlain Trophy victories, but the federation is confident its next generation is ready for the challenge. The objective will be clear: keep the defending champions among the leading nations and fight for another strong result on French soil.
Jed Beaton #1 | MXGP
“I’m super honoured to be selected to represent Australia in France this year. Ernée is a really nice track and it’s going to be good racing at a track I have competed at in the past – and really enjoyed. It’s going to be awesome to go out in the green and gold to give our very best for this great country we call home.”
Alex Larwood #2 | MX2
“I’m over the moon with being selected to represent Team Australia at this year’s MXoN. It has always been a dream of mine to wear the green and gold, and I can’t wait to experience the whole atmosphere and event and hopefully we can do Australia proud.”
Aaron Tanti #3 | OPEN
“I am super excited and honoured to be chosen to represent Australia in this year’s MXoN – it’s always been a dream of mine. It’s going to be tough to fill the Lawrences’ shoes, but I’m going to enjoy every minute of it and simply do the best I can.”
