It was a tough outing for three of the United States’ top motocross riders July 13-14 at the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship on the Trentino Circuit in Pietramurata, Italy.

Despite a lack of experience racing at the venue and little preparation time, U.S. team riders Austin Schafer, Nicholas Romano and Chase Yentzer delivered a valiant effort to finish the event 11th overall.

The event’s location changed to the Trentino Circuit in May, and the AMA worked quickly to assemble a team to represent the United States at the event.

The Junior Motocross World Championship is the FIM-recognized international event for amateur youth motocross racers. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. Racers also compete for individual championships in each class.

The U.S. team’s top performer was Romano, who scored a top-five finish in the first 85cc Class moto and finished the event ranked seventh in class.

Schafer placed 21st in the 65cc Class after finishing the class’ first moto in 20th place and the second moto in 15th.

Yentzer endured a difficult time at the event. He was unable to qualify for the 125cc Class main event after failing to advance from the last chance qualifier moto.

Host nation Italy won the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship. France was runner-up, and Great Britain finished third.