by Davey Coombs
Monday Conversation: Tony Cairoli
Monday, September 20, 2010 | 11:01 AM
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Welcome to Motocross of Nations Week here at Racer X Online. With the global motocross fraternity headed to Thunder Valley in Lakewood, Colorado, for the 2010 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations, we will focus this week on the athletes, the teams, the track, and the history of the Olympics of Motocross, beginning right now!
Any discussion of the fastest man on the planet must include Tony Cairoli. The KTM rider, who just clinched another MX1 world title—his second in a row, and this time on a brand new bike—is the favorite of the GP scene, just as race-watchers in America favor AMA Motocross/AMA Supercross #1 Ryan Dungey (and, when they aren't injured, don't leave out James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Villopoto). That discussion caused a bit of a meltdown on the net over the weekend when Cairoli was quoted as saying he didn't think Dungey was as good as some MX2 riders, though what he really meant was probably lost somewhere in the pipeline of translation. But with Cairoli leading Team Italia into this weekend's big race, he wanted to clear the air about Dungey, get the whole misunderstanding behind him, and enjoy what will be his second trip to America this year. And since my Italian is nonexistent, we did this interview by email, as you can probably tell....
Racer X: First of all, congratulations on another world championship. How does this one rank of all the titles you won?
Tony Cairoli: My second MX1 title of my career, but the first one on my new bike. It was not only the first year (after six years with Yamaha) with a new brand in KTM, it was also on a totally new bike that no one had ridden before. I'm happy I could take the first MX1 title for KTM and the first title on a 350cc bike. And it's finally my first world title in a row (MX2 2005, MX2 2007, MX1 2009, and now MX1 2010) because of a unlucky season in 2006 and a knee injury in 2008.
Photo: Simon Cudby
How is it working with so many great former racers at KTM: Pit Beirer, Stefan Everts, and even Heinz Kinigadner?
Yeah, that was new for me, but they added a lot into everything. The last seven years, I've been working close together with KTM MX1 team manager Claudio de Carli—he made me the rider who I am today. But it is always great to get riding tips from Stefan. And Pit is the person who believed in me and took my me and my entire team into the KTM family after the 2009 season. Heinz is always there for good support, and the big man behind Wings for Life. He does an amazing job!
Why do you think you're having such good results on the 350 but your friendly rival Mike Alessi has struggled here in America on it?
Maybe it's just not Mike's year. I only know that this bike is made for me. Everybody knows how much I liked to ride the 250 in the MX2 class. And with this new 350 bike, it's like I found some of my old 250 bikes back. I can ride this 350 machine with more of the style that I rode on the small bike. Only after the preseason races I made the final decision to ride the 350 in the GPs. I wanted to know it would fit in with the rest of the field in the starts, and that worked out great! For sure, there are tracks where I maybe don't have an advantage with my 350 bike, but the 350 is perfect for me.
Last week there was some confusion over a quote in an interview you did involving Ryan Dungey, which caused a mini-war on the message boards. I have no doubt that there was some language confusion, so let's set the record straight: What do you think of Dungey?
Yeah, I also heard about that! I must be very clear: Ryan Dungey is a great rider, and one of the fastest riders in the world. And that is what I have always said. Nothing more. I like his clean riding style and he is a big champ! In person I don't know him that well, but I think he's a nice person with a good head and both of his feet on the ground. I like that!
In comparing MX2 in Europe to what you watch on AlliSports.com of the AMA's 250 Class, how do you think Marvin, Ken, and Jeffrey Herlings match up against Trey, Christophe, Tyla, Dean Wilson, and the rest?
The level in the MX2 class of World Motocross is high, and we have some big young talent in Europe. So yeah, I think (and hope) we are gonna see some nice battles between those guys!
Cairoli taking in the sights in Brazil.
Photo: Sarah Gutierrez
How do you think Marvin will do here next year?
It has always been his dream to go to the USA, and I think he's gonna do really well over there. I hope he stays free of injuries and wins lots of races there.
Did Clement Desalle's exceptional performance at Unadilla surprise you?
No, he didn't surprise me. He's a great and fast rider—he took second place in the MX1 World Championship this year. I think Clement's riding style is perfect for the tracks in the US.
We almost didn't get to see you at Thunder Valley—how did the jersey-logo issue get resolved between the teams and the Italian federation?
Together with my team, I had to fight hard to be part of MXoN 2010. This issue was going on months before, actually, and I always had the feeling that things would work out when we came closer to the actual race. But until a few days ago, it looked like I was not able to race. In my opinion, it is THE race of the year, and the one you can't miss!
The FMI (Italian federation) agreed that the riders can put a few team sponsors on the shirt now, and that is what the issue was all about. It's unbelievable this could happen, but I'm happy things between KTM and the Italian Federation are solved and I can ride.
Italy was heavily favored last year at home but then you had some issues with crashes in the second and third motos. Now Team USA is favored by most to win at home—how are you and your teammates going to approach the races?
Last year we had a big chance to win. I was able to win the first moto and David Philippaerts had some great results, but Davide Guarneri had a crash in the second moto and I was involved in a big crash at the start of the second moto. I was lucky but my bike was destroyed and I couldn't continue the race.
USA is the team to beat, a great team with one by one top riders. The USA team is always ready and so professional. Last year it was amazing to ride for my own Italian fans in Italy, and I'm sure it motivates you to be in front of your home crowd. We had so many fans last year and we still couldn't win the overall. The American team will have mostly their fans behind them this year, which is great. I can't talk for my teammates, but I try to see it as a normal race. I like the feeling of being a team, seeing all those different country flags, and ride hard for your country.
Tony Cairoli in the 2007 MXoN.
Photo: Simon Cudby
The last time the MXoN was held in the States you had a tough week—the bikes almost didn't show, and then you had some crashes. How stoked would you be to redeem yourself this time with a win in MX1, or even an overall for Italy?
My last MXdN in USA wasn't the best race for me. It was a disaster weekend, starting with the bike, which arrived ten minutes before the first practice on Saturday. In practice I had third-best lap times, but I couldn't make that true in the motos. I had a crash in both motos and my bike broke in the second moto. A unlucky weekend, a weekend that I love to talk about ;) Ha ha ha! But anyway, Ryan Villopoto was just too fast on that track, for me and anyone else ... and riding with Ricky Carmichael was an amazing experience!
When are you arriving in Colorado?
I'm arriving in Colorado Tuesday night, and I'm looking forward to be guest in USA for the second time this year. (My first was USGP at Glen Helen.)
Like Everts, you seem set on finishing your career in Europe. Is there a chance we will ever see you in America for a season, or maybe just for a few rounds?
For 2011 I still have the contract with KTM to ride the GP season in Europe. I'm always in for an adventure, and yes, as long as it's going to be a good combination of schedules (and if its OK for KTM), I'd like to come over for one or maybe more outdoors in America next season. I'm also still talking about it with KTM, but the plan is to ride the first two SX in USA as well. I like supercross, but I'll just see it as a nice experience.
For 2012 I'm free, so we will see.
Photo: Simon Cudby
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I'd love to see Cairoli come here to race. This weekend should be great. Go USA!
I still would like Dungey to kick a** on Tony!
I hope that 350 has eneough horsepower to keep up with the 450s.. They are racing that 350 at the worst track possibe.. Should be interesting.
Chad Reed Track: Let's write these people: Neighbor's Bud and Jacque Klein complained that Reed likely destroyed numerous gopher tortoise burrows when he hauled in tons of dirt to build the track. According to the environmental report, there is one active burrow in the project area and three more were detected just outside the track. "There's no telling how many he buried," Jacque Klein said.
The MXoN will be awesome this year. We will get to see how the 350 SXF performs under Cairoli's command. Good luck to all riders but most for our glorious Team USA!!! Go USA!!!
It looks like the 350 goes better with the riding style. Cairolli got some starts on it but overall I think the 450 is better. Would love to see Barcia on a 350 with his riding style could be a good match
I Think the real battle would be on the 250 riders Trey, Roczen and Paulin. Should be awesome. No way Cairolli can hang with Dungey on a 350. On a 450 yes but the 350 KTM is no match for a Makita 450 suzuki. Dungey will smoke Cairolli. There might be a surprise winner but I dont think its Cairolli.
ok, so i never heard the exact quote from C-Man regarding Dungey. And after reading this interview I still don't really see where C-Man explained exactly what he meant about Dungey with his previous statement that Dungey simply isn't as fast at some of the GP guys. Wasn't it Townley that put the hurt on the guys at the Glen Helen GP yet Townley has nothing for Dungey. Do the math. Be nice to see what breaks in Colo and cut through all the chatter.
To mxoriginal6 , The misunderstood about Cairoli and Dungey was a simple question, who is the best rider of the world now??? Cairoli has said it was him cause Dungey needs to beat him to be the best. He said dungey is the best in america and he is the GP champion, so if Dungey wants to get the belt will be in MXoN !!! For me the best battle will be roczen and musquin against trey !!!!
Oh come on everybody. We all know the USA will just get lucky again. Every year it's the same. We just luck into win after win after win after win...
As it is with any race, its gonna come down to that start. If I had to make a prediction, whichever one of those two guys gets the better start will win. They are the only 2 guys this year that have demonstrated consistently that they can do the breakaway and kill their opponents. Then again...both have done the come from behind rides as well. If that track gets outrageously bumpy and rutted like at Pala, I do not think Dungey has a chance. TONYYYYYYY!!!!
Why's that - because Dungey did so horrible at Pala? Didn't he go 1-1 (again)?; I don't get your reasoning. What's this jersey controversy Tony's talking about?
Tony come on over in 2012,Everts said he wishes he did so don't wait do it!! I don't think any one will beat RD, I mean he knows the track well so even if Tony rides great he he is still at a disadvantage.Would like to see some good battles though.
Toby42 The team almost did not get to come because of it.
Here's my bet Tony wont even be able to beat Short! When the mx1 and mx3 race together it will be USA 1-2 . I do agree there should be some great racing in the mx2 class i cant wait sould be a great race! USA RULES! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Geoff Meyer is an assho.., and Cairoli is just stupid to play his game (propaganda, provocation, ... etc) .
It was nuts at vitalmx.com ping and this mohamed dude went at it, geoff and the euros posters were out in full force.
does anyone know if the des nations are going to be played online? speed ch? etc?
to yzsean, and to most of you other narrow minded americans, there is no way in hell short will beat cairoli!!! short would struggle to finish top 8 or 9 in the FIM World Championship. As for dungey, I agree he is fast, but remember when Clement Desalle went over, rode a completely alien bike and lead Dungey for most of the 2 motos, nearly beating him?? Cairoli definitely has the speed, it will probably come down to starts. In MX2, Canard will not beat Musquin or Roczen, maybe he'll get 3rd. Toby42, Cairoli would hand Dungey's ass to him on a rough track. If you think Pala was rough, have you not seen any GPs from Lommel, or especially Leirop? The most renouned track for being the roughest in the world? The GP boys would destroy ANY Ama competitors on a truly rough track
to yzsean, and to most of you other narrow minded americans, there is no way in hell short will beat cairoli!!! short would struggle to finish top 8 or 9 in the FIM World Championship. As for dungey, I agree he is fast, but remember when Clement Desalle went over, rode a completely alien bike and lead Dungey for most of the 2 motos, nearly beating him?? Cairoli definitely has the speed, it will probably come down to starts. In MX2, Canard will not beat Musquin or Roczen, maybe he'll get 3rd. Toby42, Cairoli would hand Dungey's ass to him on a rough track. If you think Pala was rough, have you not seen any GPs from Lommel, or especially Leirop? The most renouned track for being the roughest in the world? The GP boys would destroy ANY Ama competitors on a truly rough track
to yzsean, and to most of you other narrow minded americans, there is no way in hell short will beat cairoli!!! short would struggle to finish top 8 or 9 in the FIM World Championship. As for dungey, I agree he is fast, but remember when Clement Desalle went over, rode a completely alien bike and lead Dungey for most of the 2 motos, nearly beating him?? Cairoli definitely has the speed, it will probably come down to starts. In MX2, Canard will not beat Musquin or Roczen, maybe he'll get 3rd. Toby42, Cairoli would hand Dungey's ass to him on a rough track. If you think Pala was rough, have you not seen any GPs from Lommel, or especially Leirop? The most renouned track for being the roughest in the world? The GP boys would destroy ANY Ama competitors on a truly rough track
@ck323 narrow minded Americans huh??? You seem to have a lot of narrow minded opinions of your own loud mouth.
would u wingnuts quit arguing about whos gonna take what place. is it going to be aired online or on television?
Yeah Buddy! Im leaving Fri morn for the big Race! I think our chances are good (USA) but I would not be overconfident. Good post Ksilvey.. Also I dont think Dungey has to get the holeshot to win just be in the top 5 or 6, I hope Cairoli gets the holeshot... now we got a race. Kyle Regal on team Puerto Rico ? Say it aint so !
CK" The good thing about my country is we can say what we wont! FREEDOM isn't it great. I guess we will see what happens this week i am sticking with my prediction USA all the WAY. We might win every class MX1 2 and 3 the only chance any one will have in my opinion is mx2 and that's only 1 or 2 guys but i doubt that as well. USA RULES! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MXFLA Please clarify something. Are you or are you not upset with Chad Reed ? His neighbors can get over it. Those varmits can rebuild trackside.
Euro-syndrome is a term used to describe a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein people express hate feelings towards people they love and admire. :)
Another Euro has to come on here and throw out insults and talk crap. None here was saying anything bad, then Langston_Fan has to come on and start all kinds of negative crap. And CK323 has to start insulting people calling them narrow minded. Real classy CK323. You are a jealous hater and you can stay away and quit starting hateful crap. I want to see some great racing period. Sure I want the US to win, but I am not going to insult any pro racer. I have never cut down anyone. I took exception to Cairoli cutting down Dungey, its jealousy for him to do that. And of course, he totally dodged the question and showed in my opinion to be a coward. Man up and admit it. Whoever makes it through the first turn unscathed will probably win the moto. But dont forget, Trey has beaten several times this year, the guy all the Euros said would whip the field here, and that is Pourcel. He was supposed to whip everyone. He hasnt won a outdoor title yet.
And you Euros and your "Rough tracks" This is from an interview by a racer named Dennis Stapleton. He races the GP's in Europe. He was asked how rough the tracks are there. His answer was this. "With the exception of the Dutch sand tracks, the FIM tracks arent as rough as then AMA Nationals. The layouts arent as unique and scenic as I expected. The FIM seems to follow a track formula that makes every track just like last weeks". "The AMA tracks are considerbly better in layout, design and toughness." So there you go guys, right from the mouth of a rider who races in Europe. So quit saying the US riders cant ride a rough track. I feel the 250 class is going to be a battle. There are so many fast riders in that class. It will be knock down drag out thats for sure.
I think it would be cool to have Cairoli racing in the AMA. He'd be top five or better straight away.
ck323 when you have 2 really good ridersRD & Tony and one of them is underpowered then most likely the 350 would not stand a chance bcoz these guys are already riding the bikes at their potential. All eyes will be on MX2 Roczen,Trey, Musquin, Herlings and Wilson. So hard to predict im not taking any bets but if I had to I would go with Roczen.
BD200, you going to Colorado or are you just going to criticize everything from your desk ?? Come to the des Nations and witness a real race and how the vast majority actually attend and enjoy themselves at these venues !!!!! I will look for you so you can complain about that too !!! C U in Colorado ???
I can't freakin wait for MXdN... I'll be headed out for my 16 hour drive on Friday morning! yzsean, I'm not totally convinced you're able to say what you want... nothing about freedom, but like usual your spelling is the limiting factor :p, don't get all offended, just pickin on you a little :). As far as who's faster between RD and Cairoli... we'll just have to wait and see. All this talk about how Townley finished at the USGP is completely inane. I mean by that logic, Alessi should have been a threat to win every week based on his performance at rd 1. If that one race logic works for you, then what do you make of the 250 class outdoors? There were lots of single races where certain guys shined. I don't think one race can define who is faster than who (although it can show potential), and the only real way is for them to line up on the gate for a whole series. Since that won't happen anytime soon, I'll guess the MXdN will just have to do, but I sure hope it'll be a great race.
Isnt it funny that before every des Nations or USGP, some anti-american sentiment, be it from the riders or team managers of overseas team, starts running their mouth. Hmmmmm, lets see where the best riders in the world are...oh, right here in the U.S.!!! I dont see a huge exile of MX stars from our country wanting to go race the G.P.s. Amazing. And Choppers, you are going to get your butt handed to you....again.
I just can't stand the way that Americans belittle the World Championship, treating it with no respect. The depth in the World Champs is far better than the AMA. And bd200, dave stapleton rode 4/5 rounds of the MX3 championship, which is basically a satellite championship, run on different weekends, and more importantly different tracks to the premier MX1 and MX2 championships. There was an article about him in a magazine, and although he did raise some good points about formats, etc. in the FIM that could be revamped, some things he said were ridiculous, and there was great disapproval about his words in Europe. I didn't mean to insult anyone, I just think the FIM guys deserve a little more respect amongst the American motocross community, and I for one am looking forward to this weekend with great anticipation!! I honestly think that no American individually will win their class, but I think as a team they will be victorious. My shout: Cairoli MX1, Desalle MX3, Musquin MX2
CK323, those are some solid picks. DeSalle was a shocker @ Unadilla. Someone said "foreign bike" to him, I actually think his Rockstar Suzuki was / is better than his G.P. bike, works or not. U.S. Suzuki has that RMZ dialed in w/ years of development from G.O.A.T., Reed, Alessi and finally Dungey. My eyes showed me the was no better setup bike this year BAR NONE. Carioli winning his class would bring an avalanche (Colorado, get it?) of web chatter, I think it would be amazing. Probable, not so much. Best of luck to all countries/compet*tors and may the best team (U.S.A.) win.
i am going to laugh so hard when marvin musquin comes over to america and ****s on all of us.. that guy is the man.
is the fargin race going to be televised or what? online? clearly all these comment boards are for is for the icehole c riding bench racers to listen to themselves make their speculations and start rumors!
Hey ck323, I'm overseas like you and I disagree about your hard post. That's opinions only not to say who is better or something like that. Cairoli's issue is talking to mike too much that's why he wants to challenge with dungey. GP tracks are rougher than in america, I agree. But so many GP champs came to US and get lost at the first year. Be sure I'rather to ride in lierop than watch larocco's leap in front of me. No one can predict who is going to be better than other!! US team is the favorite cause they have 3 top riders in the same team, what about the others. And the best mxon team manager belongs to US, clues will come. I watch both AMA and GPs, my opinion is MX1 ( dungey ) , MX2 ( Roczen) and MX3 is ( townley ) .
to motocross84, I hope is gonna be televised by youthstream. take a look, All GP races I watched there with basic quality for free. http://www.motocrossmx1.com/tv/live/ . It is written Red Bull MX of Nations, Lakewood (CO), USA " there we go "
Okay so thats 2 pple on here for Roczen MX2 and one vote for Musquin so far. MXi I think Dungey will get it but Trey has to work for his. A lot of pple forget Shorty will be at home basically so shorty has the best chance to dominate his class. My vote MX1 would be dungey unless he gets held up. Dont forget the Euros know how to play dirty. MX1 Dungey MX2 Roczen and MX3 shorty. Thats good enought for team USA to win.
So no one has coined MX1 the "Tony / Dungey Match-up" yet? If not, it could be because of the low general popularity of football-related puns.
thanks fcarvalh36. it's gonna be so awesome!
Great to read so many predications and feel the hostilities amongst us fans :-) After all it is a battle of nations. That said BT101 lays down a win in Colorado in MX3, dude knows he has Cairoli's measure (pity Bens not lining up in MX1) with a dominant moto 2 at the USGP. Ben's that fired up about not winning a moto this AMA season that he'll lay it down for his own statement if not for nations pride. Like many I'd love to see Shorty win a moto but he'll have his hands full with BT and Clement Desalle. As for MX 1, love to say Cairoli could up show golden boy Dungey as he has the skills, but not on that 350 at Colorado, not against Makita Suzuki - bet the house. Metcalfe will be up there in MX1 for the Green & Gold and maybe he'll get the much anticipated first win on US motocross soil, who knows, he has speed and heart. Lets not forget the dark horse of the Russian threat of Bobrishev - the dudes quick and something says he'll excel on US soil. MX2, Musquin and Canard all the way, with Roczen there nipping at the heals of these two. Canards on home soil, on form, huge heart, say no more. Musquin has talent to burn and if he lays wood at the Des Nations sorry AMA 250 division next year - french domination. Prediction: MX1 (Dungey/Cairoli/Metcalfe), MX2 (Canard/Musquin/Roczen), MX3 (Townley, Desalle, Short) The battle field awaits!!
To be the best you have to beat the best . The fact is that the best riders in the world come to the United States to race in the the ama nationals and supercross . With that said who has Tony beat to make him the best in his mind? RC4? CR22? JS7? RV2? RD1? That would be like me saying since I was the fastest in the 100m & 800m at my highschool that i must have been the fastest in the world right? He could in the running for ugliest dude in mx ! Just look at that smile. yuk!
ck323, you should probably just remain quiet and wait until after the races and hope you get some luck on your side before such ridiculous claims. The GPs have more depth? haha. There is going to be more competition for Cairoli at MXoN than at any GP this year, just with Dungey and Metcalfe added.... Short will get his customary good starts which will leave him up near the front. Hope Canard doesn't embarass any GP MX1 guys on his 250, which he most assuredly will. I don't understand the logic that Alessi doing well at Glen Gelen should have meant he would be great in the AMA rounds. Seems to me it puts a huge spotlight on this depth claim of yours at the GPs. As for Short struggling to finish top 8 or 9 at the GPs? Your credibility just flew right out the window.
The only reason us 'euros' get annoyed with some of you americans is because you show ZERO respect to euro s. I've been to a good few ama national and world gp tracks and while i do think the ama tracks are a better layout they are definetly not rougher(one was zolder for the des nations when carmichael said it was the roughest track he had ever ridden). I bet dennis stapletons answer about who's tracks are rougher was dependant on who asked him, an american or a euro. Cairoli spanked desalle many times this year, desalle ran with dungey on a bike he was not used to, but the guy who said colorado is the worst track for a 350 is right. I think usa will win this year nobody will beat you at home, but i would love it to happen just so it would open your eyes a bit and make you show the euro riders some respect. Ricky Carmichael was the fastest rider ever
okay BKR, lets look at the standings. 8th 9th and 10th in the FIM : De Dycker, Guarneri and Bobryshev (if you even know who these riders are) and 8th 9th and 10th in the AMA: Sipes, Regal and Wey. I am 100% certain that De Dycker, Guarneri and Bobryshev would SMOKE Sipes, Regal and Wey. And I guarantee you that short will not beat Cairoli, Desalle, Nagl or Ramon (top 4/5 riders in the FIM) and will probably be at about Boog's standard (again these names probably mean nothing to you). I agree the 250 class in america has good depth, but the 450 class? Come on, Ricky Dietrich (no disrespect, but he is an ENDURO rider) exposed this fact last season, coming straight in and finishing consistently in the top 5. And are you still blind to the fact that Desalle SMOKED Short, and the rest of the 450 class this year? And as for rmzkevin, I pose the same argument to you. Who has Dungey beat to say he is the greatest rider? Has he beat Everts, Pichon, etc.? Again if you don't who Everts is, he only won the WORLD championship 10 times, and amongst that time absolutely EMBARASSED Bubba at the 2006 Des Nations at Matterely Basin, England...
and on top of that, you can look outside the top 10 of the FIM standings and find riders like Coppins, Strijbos, Barragan, De Reuver, and Sebastien Pourcel, who I remind you was the only person in 2008 to take a race win off Bubba at the Des Nations at Donington...
ck323, I've always followed both the AMA and GPs, and I respect all the riders. Obviously, there is a lot of national pride in the spoutings of people out here, but here's what I know. Let's start with Pichon (since you brought him up). NEVER won a national championship in AMA. Cairoli spanked DeSalle? Yes, except for the times DeSalle spanked Cairoli. Two former MX2 champions and one "vice champion" have raced AMA 250 for the past two seasons. Any championships to show for it? Let's not forget that Travis Baker was vying for top five in the MX2 race at Glen Helen. I think it is YOU who underestimate the AMA. My hope is that we don't see a wave of bad luck (which we often do) at des Nations and that we get to see great racing. But the truth is that unless riders line up and race each other for a series championship, all this talk will go on indefinitely, with lots of people claiming to "know" what's what, but none of us do. Let's face it, though, the U.S. couldn't have possibly "lucked into" all these Chamberlain trophies, could they?
sef154, I agree with u to a degree. but do you know how many times desalle straight up spanked cairoli? i would say twice in a whole season (being generous). Yes, travis baker did exceptionally well, but on a track he was used to riding, but im not trying to use excuses. As DBerg649 said earlier, the one race logic doesn't always work. And I agree the US have been the best at the last few MX of Nations, I have been lucky enough to have attended every one since 2003 at Zolder, with the exception of Budds Creek in '07. But last year, they got a HUGE stroke of luck in the last race when Cairoli, Reed AND Paulin all fell on the first lap. A top 3 for any of these contenders would have seen their respecive countries victorious. I know all this talk is technically meaningless, the racing should put an end to the talk (unless another freak accident like last year happens again).
ck323- You just show your bias, because you have a notion of what Sipes, Regal, and Wey are SUPPOSED to be. If those 3 rode the GPs I think you'd be incredibly disappointed to see how their results would improve. After this response I can see that any chance of talking logic with you is a no-go. Not that this sort of thing means all that much for one race, but DeDycker raced Hangtown this year and finished 8-11. Ryan Sipes went 7-8. Here in the states we all gave DeDycker respect for doing so well, because we know how tough the class is. DeSalle gave an awesome performance at Unadilla and we all gave him respect for that as well. You did not just bring up Pichon did you???? He raced in the US for years and won some 125 SX titles, nothing else. Then he went back to the GPs and started winning. Seriously? I think we should just see what happens in Colorado and wait for the excuses to come. Townley might be heading to the GPs in 2011, and I hope he stays here in the U.S......so should anyone that wants to hold onto the idea that the fastest racers are in the GPs.
BKR lets see after this weekend how the top 3 in each championship fair against eachother. Dungey, Metcalfe and Short vs. Cairoli, Desalle, and seeing Phillipaerts is injured, next inline is Nagl. Let us let the racing do the talking, shall we? The main reason I have commented on this article is that I'm SICK and TIRED of the disrespect shown towards our riders in the world championship. All I'm saying is, that in my opinion, you will be surprised that the GP guys will be just as fast as Dungey, and alot faster than Short. Can't wait until Musquin goes over next year and CLEANS UP
Considering Musquin's "contemporaries" in terms of age and experience are Canard and Dungey, and they'll be on 450s, I'm not sure how much that would prove, and yet ... don't be so sure he'll "clean up."
If a is greater than b and b is greater than c, but c is greater than a, then predictions remain mere puffs of brain farts. The comments written here do well to serve the purpose of depreciating the motocross community's already low IQ. Lets face it, we all love the sport because of what goes on, on the race track. Motocross fans talking politics and trying to get scientific about predictions is a really bad combination...probably resulting in more brain farts. I would however have to make the unbiased and totally neutral case that the brain farts are both smellier and louder by the US fans. All that freedom to eat junk food has obviously paid off in that competition :-D If South Africa had fielded a team in this event, it would be a no brainer that they would win, which is precisely why this is not a brain fart! To all those lucky bastards going to the race, ENJOY IT FOR THE REST OF US WILL YA!!!
Ck323.. You're hilarious. I'm not going to argue about which series is better. But your example about DeDycker and Gueneri smoking Sipes and Regal is moronic. Especially since DeDycker raced hangtown and got 9th.. lol Oh and in that race sipes got 7th.. Oh and if Regal didn't go down he would of beaten him to. I personally think both the ama and the fim have their strong suits. I just had to point out that you're a moron and you should know more before you type.
Oh and CK323. Before you make one excuse after the other like that was Kens first ride at Hangtown I'd like to point out that it was Sipes 1st EVER race on a 450.
Much better now is to wait the race. I've never heard the worst team to win a MXoN cause the best got bad luck. Euro vs America, no excuses about results. Monday night a lot of dudes will not show up to post cause the tongue is bigger than their ties. You are in a good situation but mine is to pray for my team to get to qualify to the final ( I hope Balbi will get it ).
ck323 Canada has the the canadian mx champion series does that make their champ the best in the world? My problem comes when somone says well if so and so don't beat me he is not the best.I have heard Tony and Everts both say that. Have you ever heard or heard of RD1,RC4,RV2,TC38,CP377,orMC2? That is because these guys have respect for other riders maybe the fim riders could learn a thing or two about class from the ama riders. Now lets all say a prayer for all the riders and let the racing talk for itself. USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,USA,
I dont really remember anyone here disrespcting the GP's. The only time it gets spoken about is when a Euro comes on here and slams the American riders. And then the AMA fans fight back. When Desalle came here to race, everyone has good thing to say about him. And he didnt run with Dungey. Once Dungey passed him, ( he took his time to do it safely). He gapped him by about 5 seconds in the first half lap. And fcarvalh36, Euro vs America? HUH?? There is no country named Europe. Langston_Fan, you are such a hatefull loser. You spout more idiotic crap on here than anyone. You are stupid, period. And a jealous hater of the US. So why come on this site, other than to start arguements and spread your hateful garbage. And the South African team would win?? You have just shown your lack of motocross knowledge. Rattrey can run it, in the 450 class. He is too old for the 250's.. In case you didnt know.
hey bd200 I agree about your statement " euro ". The european press say US vs The rest of world. It's not me. it's impossible to predict which country in europe, that's why my point of view. to langston_fan, why don't you show your position here about us to grant langston, he will be very proud of you. Before to say that motocross community has low IQ, ask for each one his resume cause may be you will be ashamed. last question for you ( langston fan , high IQ), are you able to work to bell labs like an enginner in development team???? If you don't, shut up your mouth.
fcarvalh 36 ... Your allright!
Man.....a lot of prophets on here.
Was I the only one who got the "tongue in cheek" thing in Langston_fan's last post? Too many people seem to be in constant "attack mode" out here. State your opinions, disagree, but ENJOY THE RACES! Go USA!
Sef, I dont think that some have a sense of irony here. I was making fun of myself, the most gigantic fan of the sport in the world, and that basically there is no substance to any of these predictions other than pure bias and patriotism which is great, but not objective. Obviously it went over the heads of 2 people. To a comment I made previously about rough tracks and cairolli, I said i think he would win if the track got rough because of the fact that he rides a lighter bike and GP racers are longer and IMO a bit rougher. Its a reasonable view if you assume that both RD and Cairolli are the same speed over one lap. What it does not take into account is the start, and that with 38 other riders on the track, a hell of a lot can happen to either of them. For local experts, i have a question. No one ever predicts before the des nations whether or not a 250f can win, yet it happened in Matterly Basin (Cairolli) and Red Bud (Villipoto). Is there any chance of a 250 winning a moto??
ck323, I'll give you one prediction....Musquin maybe wins a 250 SX title in 2011. He'll still have to beat a horde of guys to do that but he could. Outdoors he'll have his hands full with the guys in that class.....even with Canard and Pourcel moving out. WIlson, Rattray.....my dark horse Baggett. It will be good, but clean up I doubt.
I'll check in on Monday to see how things went in this MXoN department.
All Smack talk aside, Cairoli and Barcia are remarkably similar.