Former World MX2 champion Jordi Tixier will line-up for the French team at this years Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, set for the Redbuds cirucit in America, after Romain Febvre announced that he cannot race due to his injury.

Surprisingly, this might just be the change that puts some excitement into the French effort, and with the 2010 Junior World championship 125cc, the 2010 EMX 125cc and the 2014 MX2 championship, Tixier has the right breeding.

It also makes up for Tixier not being picked in 2014, when they decided to go with Dylan Ferrandis in his place. I wouldn't be surprised if Tixier shocks a lot of people, and hopefully he can get support from one of the Factory teams for this event.

Gautier Paulin, Dylan Ferrandis and Jordi Tixier might not be the favourites, and that might just work for them. Still for me, its The Netherlands who will win this years event.