Mount Maunganui's Cody Cooper is part of a trio of riders representing New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations in Italy this weekend.

Widely referred to as "The Olympic Games of Motocross", the event is a one-weekend affair that brings together the word's elite riders.

Mount motocross rider Coday Cooper in action. Photo: Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com.

Cody Cooper (Honda), along with Takaka's Hamish Harwood (KTM) and Hamilton's Josiah Natzke (KTM) will fly the Kiwi flag on the race track in Italy this weekend.

The Kiwi riders know it won't be easy facing the world's elite on such a massive stage, but each of them is determined to put on a good showing.

The three-rider team is competing with the biggest names in the sport, including riders from both the United States national championships scene and the predominantly European-based World Motocross Championships.

Kiwi motocross riders have boxed well above their weight in this competition and often rate among some of the best in the world.

Cooper is one rider in particular who should feel right at home in Italy this weekend, the Honda rider having been an integral part of seven campaigns in the past.

His wealth of experience could be the difference between the team earning a top 10 result this weekend. A top 10 result would be considered a massive achievement for the New Zealanders, especially considering the Kiwis come from such a small country and have the furthest to travel.

Generous support for this year's campaign came from the sport's national governing body, Motorcycling New Zealand, as well as from Auckland company Workshop Graphics. A great deal of fundraising was also undertaken by the Taupo Motorcycle Club with their ‘Battle of the Clubs' motocross event adding to the coffers.