From www.racerxill.com
September 14 , 2001
Team USA will not attend the MXdN
Racer X has learned that a general overall decision has been made by the riders, their families and sponsors, AMA Pro Racing and Team USA officials to not attend the 2001 Motocross des Nations, which is set to take place in Namur, Belgium. An announcement will go out later today. Due to the terrible events of Tuesday afternoon, security concerns were raised about having the team to leave the country so soon after "an act of war" took place against the United States. The decision was that of the AMA and the team, not the three riders. There will be no replacement team sent from the United States to Belgium. The team was supposed to leave within ten days.
As for American fans planning to attend the event, it appears that many airlines are offering full refunds for any flights departing from the United States before the end of September.
In related news, it also appears that golf's Ryder Cup in Scotland will also probably be canceled as the American contingent, led by Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara, does not think it wise to leave the country.
Team USA still matters, but the safety and well-being Americans matter more.