Scott Columb is ''wild'' about being left out of the three-rider New Zealand squad to tackle the annual Motocross of Nations event near Leipzig, in southern Germany, on September 30.
The Queenstown rider had been focusing on the event as he recovered from knee surgery in April to repair his anterior cruciate ligament''I'm wild because I had a goal, although it was touch and go whether I'd be strong enough again and be ready.''
Columb said he had not been given the ''green light'' yet by his physiotherapist to resume riding but he had felt confident he could have been able to compete in seven weeks' time.
The New Zealand riders named yesterday were Cody Cooper, Rhys Carter (both Mt Maunganui) and Kayne Lamont (Mangakino). Former grand prix star Josh Coppins is team manager for what is dubbed the ''Olympic Games of motocross''.
When he was appointed manager, Coppins rated Columb - the New Zealand MX2 champion - as one of the top contenders for a spot in the team. Although Coppins' role was to advise the team selectors, the final decision was not his to make.
''Because Scott hasn't actually ridden yet, they [selectors] weren't ready to take the risk,'' Coppins said.
Columb was the ''logical'' choice, due to his top form over summer and the fact he had ridden in the MoN twice before, but the timing of selection was not in his favour, Coppins added.
''We have to choose the team six to eight weeks beforehand, so we can get organised with everything from booking flights, to team uniform and ordering gear.
Motorcycling New Zealand motocross commissioner Bryan Davidson said he was confident the New Zealand team would acquit itself well in Germany.
''It is a good mix of youth and experience ... we have selected the riders that gained so positively from being involved in 2012.''
Cooper, Lamont and Coppins contested the MoN in Belgium last season. They finished 15th overall from among more than 30 countries competing.