by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: MXoN in Review
Friday, October 5, 2012 | 2:00 PM
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PrintHello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. I remember Bevo Forti’s quote after the 1994 Motocross Des Nations. He said, “We didn’t lose. We got second.” I’ve never given that quote a whole lot of thought until this weekend, when we didn’t lose. We got third.
The whole world knew the Americans were in trouble last weekend. I personally accepted the fact that we were marching into last weekend’s race similar to the 300 Spartans. We were up against a force we hadn’t seen and on that particular stage, and we were going to lose to. I prided myself in watching the GP’s this year. I’ve seen Antonio Cairoli videos for years and he always looked as fast as our guys. But when I saw him at Budd’s Creek, with my own two eyes, he didn’t appear to be strong. Although, when I watched him battle in 2012 he looked extremely dominant. On a 350 at that. He was the guy he was supposed to be all those years at the MXoN.I enjoyed watching Jeffrey Herlings all season too. I knew he was exceptional. Herlings is a once in a decade, maybe more, type of talent. It isn’t just the sand, either. He won on the hard pack two weeks before the MxoN by, like, a minute. In the end, the American riders struggled, were not up to speed, and crashed. Cairoli and Herlings did what they put their boots on to do. Yet, Germany walked away with their first MXoN victory in 66 long years. What I think was cool about the race was that it seemed like for the first time since I can remember, the motocross world was simply bursting for the MXoN! There was so much excitement to not just “see if America would lose,” but actually witness faster riders win the divisions. We didn’t lose, we got smoked. I’ve been around for 35 years, and I knew we were screwed.
The 66th running of the Motocross of Nations took place at Lommel, Belgium last weekend.
Ray Archer photo
I knew were screwed, and I could have written a column about that last week. But it was just too easy to twist the dagger instead.
To that end, it is humbling to see that people all over the world read the Rev Up. A writer should be responsible and respectful with the written word. As odd as the GP race reports seem to us Americans, my blatant sarcasm and intentional over-the-top words read like acid to passionate foreign readers. That was my goal though. It was a joke. That's the whole 'Merica thing. And remember, we’re just racing motorcycles here.
Let’s talk about Jean Michael Bayle. People talk about underrated racers, but this Frenchman is the most underrated motocross rider of all-time. Multi-time world champion, won the first AMA motocross race he ever entered at Gatorback. JMB went on to win everything else there was in motocross in an era when names like Damon Bradshaw, Jeff Emig, Jeff Stanton, Mike Kiedrowski, and Mike LaRocco dominated American racing. We ate a shit sandwhich and didn’t have a whole lot to say about it until he got bored and quit. That guy may have been the most talented and dominant motocross rider to ever live. He was so innovative, so ahead of his time and so against all odds, that he has an argument to even Ricky Carmichael in my notes.
How about Belgian warlord, Stefan Everts? European fans favor him as the all-time King of Motocross. When I was growing up he was the son of Harry Everts making some noise on an RM 125. He was good, then and again, then he went on that Husky adventure and I never really considered him to be like my heroes. All of the sudden he was this champion on a YZM 450 and won title after title. Then I began to hear things about him from some of my highest peers. Ricky Carmichael told me that when Stefan invited him to his house that he was one of the coolest people he had ever met. We listened to a song Ricky had downloaded that Stefan had shared with him on the way to practice every morning. Ricky beat him that MXdN, but he respected Everts like no other and seemed to genuinely like the guy. Ricky didn’t tend to like anyone he raced. Not. One. Bit.
The Netherlands Jeffrey Herlings was one of the standouts from last weekend.
Ray Archer photo
There was another Frenchman by the name of Mickael Pichon. This was the first instance of European supercross success we had seen since JMB. “Pickon” as we liked to call him, was welcomed by Americans almost as rudely as his predecessor. To his credit, he was too “French” much like Bayle and we didn’t “get” him. He was very, very fast though. Pichon rode for Mitch Payton, factory Honda, and factory Suzuki before his time here came to pass, and he went back to the GPs and kicked some ass. I always thought he had cool style on the bike. Effortless “KW style.”
Want another name? How about two? Grant Langston and Greg Albertyn from “Suf Aff”riika” were some of the fastest motocross racers I’ve ever seen in my life. Greg and all of his golden hair, white-toothed bravado was a house of pain. I’ve never seen anyone crash with such frequency and ferocity as “Albee.” Greg, the 1999 AMA National Champion, hit everything there was on a racetrack. Even a deer. But, when he kept it on two wheels, his elbows way, way up style was lethal.
But in the end it was Germany who captured their first overall in history.
Ray Archer photo
Langston came over with a ton of confidence and speed. He owns a couple of the most heart breaking pages in the history book with his loss of the 2001 125cc outdoor title at the last round with a broken wheel. Then losing that supercross race in Texas doing a one-hander on the white flag lap. Grant ended up winning the 2003 title then moved to Mitch Payton’s team and cleaned house for a couple seasons. His ride in the 2nd moto at Hangtown in 2005 still ranks among the most mind blowing feats I’ve ever seen in motocross. He was 5-6 seconds behind Mike Alessi when he took the white flag, then went completely psycho and caught #800 in the final corner. He cleaned out Alessi, broke his own foot, and took the win. “The Zulu Warrior” was a badass.
Well, that’s enough I suppose. There have been more and obviously there are more coming. What would a guy like Antonio Cairoli do at the Monster Energy Cup? How would Jeffrey Herlings fair in the 2013 Lucas Oil Motocross Nationals? One thing is for sure. They kicked our tails in that weird, puffy, sand in Belgium. In closing I will reiterate two things: One, that the column you read last week was 90 percent satire and was meant to be funny. That's 'Merica. Check out @cloydrivers on twitter, he was my inspiration! Second, the 2012 MXoN was awesome. I think it will make the 2013 event in Germany one of the most anticipated in the history of the event. I’m already marking my calender and making plans to attend.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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When I think about Albertyn it reminds me of the Bieffe helmets he used. They were ugly but they must have been real good because he tested them a lot. Great champion!
Nice one, Andy !
I don't know why everyone keeps saying the guys got smoked and as I said in other comments the US team would have been right there in the hunt hadn't Barcia's front wheel collapsed from a crash and his 14 place and Dungeys last moto crash while avoiding Barcia and his 9th place. Our guys can't always have good luck they can't always win but had they not had the crashed they could have and that isn't being smoked. Sure our guys weren't on par with the two winners the no one else was either considering 2nd place was over a minute behind the winner.
Andy, I like your stuff but.......what is this Jekyll and Hyde ?
" A writer should be responsible and respectful with the written word"
" My blatant sarcasm and intentional over-the-top words"
I call BS on this one:
" It was a joke"
Andy, Andy, Andy, this backpaddle was weak son.
JimM
Pala374
Please let this be the last of the MXDN talk on RacerX online.
@ thatcatschaaf
Because your National Champions either got lapped or were a minute down on the leaders. So in the eyes of the world, that is a big ass kicking.
Dear God...make it stop.....
thatcatschaaf I have said the same thing many times, for the over all we were right there, JB's first moto was a 14 point swing, RD's 2nd moto 4 to 5 points. That would have won it. Now Herlings and Cairoli....They smoked us but we knew we did not need to beat them anyway..All I know is if the race was run again this week end I would put my money on team USA no question.
The funny thing is the MXON has become the world against the USA. It seems that all the other countries want any one but the Americans to win and when USA does not win people come out of the woodwork to rub it in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfm6TH3J02Q Whips and Scrubs!
@BillC please don't show that to your math teacher
Cairoli and Herlins smoked not only the Americans but every body else! I accept that. As for the rest of the world team USA was competitive.
@ thatcatschaaf Ohio Y.O.T H.O.T. WHats up !
@mit12 Tell me how that in any way can seem strange to you. When one team dominates for so long and gp fans never hears the end of american chest pounding. When David beats the extreamly smug Goliat some are gonna celebrate
Great read! Nice trip down memory lane too! Come on guys we got smoked, not a big deal. We've won a few when teams had guys bail as well, do we keep bringing up those? Nope, we call em wins, just like we should. Germany did the incredible after 60 plus years and I refuse to take away any of their glory. Achtung Baby!
We'll get em next time.
Mit12 I am still laughing my as# off at your comment! Yes, Albe had some butt ass ugly helmets! And man he crashed. Remember washougal went he cartwheeled over the fence??
Interestingly, during his crash era, I was riding with Guy Cooper at Milville in about 1997. Guy told me that away from "races" that Albe was the smoothest, fastest rider he had ever seen at his practice tracks. Obviously he had a mental block come race day..
Some guys look cool in helmets, McGrath and Emig always looked like studs with longer visors.. Swink always had doorknob helmets too.
Someone should go out with the white "cueball" helmet just for show, I'm sure ping would have fun with that.
-team hurricane
@Berguven I totally understand that. I just think it is funny how the event has been changed over the years because of the domination of the USA. Europe was fine with the original foremat until the Americans started dominating. When Great Britian and Belguim were dominating no one had a problem with it. Just funny to me. I mean this with no disrespect.
And can we move past the MXoN???? We got smoked. Period. And trust me, Herlings would make Our riders look stupid at Southwick too.
Excuses excuses.. How about we let the results talk?
Cairoli hasn't won because he hasn't finished a race before.. That's no reflection on speed. It's bad luck.
If Herlings and Cairoli raced the entire national series, they would be competitors. Would they win? Who knows.. The reality is the USA has 6 awesome riders. Most other countries only have 1 top level rider while the other 2 are "B" riders.. That's why the USA wins. Our whole team rocks.. Not just 1 rider.
Let it go, let's try harder next year. Dungey and Villipoto will be tough
"When one team dominates for so long and gp fans never hears the end of american chest pounding. When David beats the extreamly smug Goliat some are gonna celebrate."
Exactly! Most euros have that love/hate relationship to US riders.
They are the most stylish, best whippers, fastest as in brutally fast, 1:st corner speed the whole moto.
I went to all MXdN´s since Ernee 2005 and always to see the awesome US riders.
We love to see Your guys ride but it gets a bit boring when they win MXdN ALL the time, Its been so close many times but the euros dont have any luck.
Like Pourcels tire falling off 2011...
So let Germany (Europe) have this win and enjoy it :-D
One thing... When the euro country with the best chance to win doesent win, it is almost always lack of 3 good riders in the team.
It feels kinda good though that team USA did not win MXdN 2012 because of lack of speed! A real motocross rider should master any surface. ;-)
On to Teuchtenthal 2013, USA is gonna be back in full strength and normal speed!
Beware of Kegums 2014 tough...
Cheers to the best event in the world the MXdN!
Great article, I thoroughly enjoyed it but,
"What would a guy like Antonio Cairoli do at the Monster Energy Cup? How would Jeffrey Herlings fair in the 2013 Lucas Oil Motocross Nationals?"
It's not always about USA.
How would RV or Stewart do in a full season of the World Champs', once out of their comfort zone of the red, white and blue? That's why the wins by non Americans in the AMA are that much greater than those by locals. But, we won't see the likes of RV, RD or JS doin' time in the world champs. Too different.
@ rickamatuzio Amsoil PUNK !
I got your susan HA HA !
blah blah blah. second place crossing seconds behind first is close. getting lapped is smoked Bill. no matter which way you dice 'er.
i suppose you still believe in santa, easter bunny, and anericans were first on the moon..... lol
@mit12 I say its the internet. We can smacktalk all over the world all year long and we do.
@rickamatuzio
couldnt agree more!
im not from USA but i dont understand why you euro's have to be such sore losers and winners! shit if they had the supercross of nations we all know what would happen ther!
sh1t i bet most you guys goin on bout herlings lapping baggett arnt even from Netherlands....
and you still celebrate indepndence day and it was hundreds of years ago you showed the britts the door
Mr. Bowyer,
Thanks for the comments about Bayle. I only go back to 1972 watching/attending GPs, Nationals, Trans-AMA/USAs, etc, but Bayle, to date, is the best I ever saw.
@USA If you are just a tad more cautious on your pre race predictions next year, the smack talk coming your way if you lose will not be repeated
@Berguven
Fair call.
A lot of talented people mentioned here, props to all of them.
carlsbad Suck my slong
@ Andy Bower; Before reading tonights Rev-Up, I thought I would refresh my memory and read your last weeks article just once more before hearing how you might maneuver around your (satirical and funny) words of double flipping the world off, the night before the, "Worlds Largest Stage Presentation of Motocross Talent."
Like last week, I cringed, when I re-read your (funny) words. And like last week I wondered what to the rest of the "Worlds Public Eye" may have thought about your (funny) choice of words.
I think it may be appropriate for you too to re-read your post from last week to the "The World" and just maybe remember last weeks article before you place "Merica"
so high on a pedestal that the fall could maybe sever "Mericas" spinal cord at the neck just in case of a (possible) fall to our death, in the eyes of The World.
Just a thought...
Nuff said.
Go Team USA
Bowyer, you only just noticed Cairoli is 'strong 'in 2012??
Take off the blinders dude! There's a big bad world out there...
About one in four of Andy Bowyers articles bring anything of value to Racer X. I think he should perhaps try to get his writings in Nascar related sites and publications, where his brother is doing so well. Perhaps he does?
The previous one to this was one of the most jingoistic things I've read - and that's saying something, considering the unending drivel written in a lot of the US moto press, and US 'fans' postings.
To backpedal to the "humour" label is really, disingenuous. I'm trying to be polite.
By the way, Andy - go back and check 2007. A Broken Wheel in one moto,and a bent disc /locked wheel in the other. Neither only a few metres from the finish of the moto. With next to no practice, after the "cheese' incident ( wonder if the mechanic responsible for that was 'harshly' dealt with?) on a US track, utterly familiar to the US riders - it seems fair for that to be the case, but not for a GP track to be used in Europe. Well, Luongo has had special tracks made for the MX Des Nations - Donnington in 08, And the Italian one in 09 - that was just a big SX track. Cairoli and CR went 1, 2, in the first moto, far ahead of Dungey (one of my favourite riders by the way - my pick for the most likely current US rider that might do well in the GPS - but, that will never happen - I very much Hope RV will eventually get to Europe). In the next Moto, Both were crashed out in the first or second straight / turn.
AC won motos in 2006, and in 2009. And now, 2 at Lommel, with a masterful display. Fastest lap time of the entire event - his first lap in moto 2 - that was faster than Herlings lap of that moto - his second lap - his 'first' after his prang. AC, got out front, controlled the race, and when Herlings came up to him, he then pulled away. At 28, AC knows how to race. Herlings, at 18, has (hopefully), a long time / many events left, to dominate.
The race was run at a classic Motocross Track. At the same venue that the US Team first won at. Your riders did the deed then, in '81, they didn't this time.
So it goes.
For the second year in a row, Blake Baggett declared the track 'the most gnarly he'd raced at'. Two Very different tracks, Sainte Jean D'Angely, and Lommel. GP tracks, are all very different to each other. I had the privilege, of going to both. I've only just arrived back in OZ this morning.
People coming out with lines like putting on the MX Des at SX tracks - well, SX isn't MX. MX has far to much SX influence within it, as it is. Even at Lommel. They are 2 different sports, in my opinion. Let's keep it that way - better still, rethink things a bit to lessen SXs influence on MX.
And, don't forget - if many are actually aware of it - that a big concession to US MX is present at the MX Des Nations. 30 minutes plus 2 laps - the US version of MX Moto duration. At GPs, it's 35 minutes plus 2 laps.
With the bikes of today, and the sports science and training of today, that 40 minutes plus laps is not used, is a mistake that should be corrected. At the least, bring the MX Des motos, up to the GP mark.
The US Team did well, others did better this year. It's how racing goes. That's why we race - to see the result at the end.
Bear,
That was a cool post. Thanks for saying I nail one out of four! That may have been generous, even.
To the rest of you: I sincerely had planned this column before I wrote last week's. Next week is Monster Cup, then another off week theme. It's what you do with a weekly column.
Gotta remember guys, i'm not the voice of Racer X. It's just the Rev Up. But, Bear, I have enough loyal followers here with my little piece that I don't need to dip into my brother's career. Actually pride myself in that fact.
I'm just a motocross guy. And every comment, good or bad, means somebody read my stuff and it created enough of an effect to trigger a response.
My goal is to make people stoked to ride their dirt bikes, watch people race dirtbikes, and maybe throw in a little extra i've picked up along the way.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
-andy
Reality check time boys!
Unless DC hires a few "real" journalists, RacerX fans better get used to the bad writing ... and at the same time, be VERY thankful that there is a RacerX.
@ Hattica77 Hey Andy,
Most of the of these people are clowns you have the right approach. My old friend Super Hunky Rick Sieman had the same Philosophy..............Bulldoze straight ahead and nose to the stone we all call MX.............Yes we have a great Nation able to think and say what we want..........Think about it if we wernt so great everybody wouldnt be breaking done the border walls to get in ! Keep it up Andy.
Andy - to a certain extent, I quite enjoy the few times you have referred to your brother / his career / racing.
Man does not live by MX alone.
Though, I have to be honest, NASCAR both leaves me cold, and leaves me very worried about the average US Motor sports fan, if it truly is the top Motor sport in the US. It's even more mind numbing than the V8 'Stuporcars' here in OZ.
But the content and style of that previous article / posting by you, was dreadful. Reprehensible, in fact. Humour intended / not intended, it just fuels the idiocy of many uniformed readers that are inclined to jingoism, and really p****es those off that genuinely follow, know, and love nearly all aspects of our sport.
Our sport does not need writings of that style - it far surpasses nearly every sport that exists. There is no need to embellish, BS or sensationalise it.
It's "sensational' by it's very nature, in the skills and bravery shown by it's participants.
Better writing / deeper thinking, is something I know you are capable of. Humour, delivered with such vitriol, and bias, is not humour at all.
I was lucky enough to be there last weekend. I saw a superb performance, by the man I regard as the best motocross rider in the world, Six Times World Champion, Antonio Cairoli. Yet, drongos here, and elsewhere, go on about him / the GP riders being 2nd rate. Showing their lack of knowledge / appreciation of the sport. And much of that 'head in sand' (pun intended) attitude, is cultivated / driven by reportage in the US MC media, that breeds / inculcates such 'limited' views.
I saw great performances by many, many others. Not the least, the US riders. At least Barcia and Baggett had had series that prepared them for some serious competition. Dungey, looked utterly shell shocked - and I understand why. He had no real competition this year in the Outdoors. Not his fault, and I do believe he would have prevailed over the other, missing riders in the 450 class in the US, but he was thrown into a pack of ravenous sharks, at the MX Des Nations. Not withstanding those observations, I am a 'fan' of Ryan Dungey - he is a superb rider.
I hope to be in Germany next year - as I was the weekend before the Des. A good track, that like all the GP tracks, has it's own character - that may better suit the US riders. But, to be truly the best, you should be able to 'best', any track conditions you encounter in real MX. SX, is just modern day, 'throw them to the Lions' fair, that has had far to much influence on MX.
Bear,
Again, a brilliant post. You're a guy I could bench race with. Thing is:
"Our sport does not need writings of that style - it far surpasses nearly every sport that exists. There is no need to embellish, BS or sensationalise it."
That is the "Rev Up." That's what it is. If I didn't make people excited, angry, emotional, or otherwise this column wouldn't exist. As a fellow "penman" imagine writing such a column for 12 years. Every week. Motocross isn't the oldest trick in the book, and sooner or later I venture into the "Reprehensible."
e-mail me at [email protected]
-andy
I see alot of talk about if it was at the US riders back yard the same thing would happen. thats not true, if the MXoN was held at the most popular practice track in America then yes Cairoli and Herlings would prob get beaten but they will only be 1 second or 2 seconds a lap slower than the USA not 4 seconds and sometimes 8 seconds like USA at lommel.
Still so proud to see that 2 South Africans have won AMA championships. None of you Americans can understand how huge that is. South Africa has a population of 44 million and i dont even think there is more than 100 riders here that take motocross seriously. The sport is so small here and i cant believe 2 of our riders have reached the very top of this sport.
@Hattica77wrote;
"Our sport does not need writings of that style - it far surpasses nearly every sport that exists. There is no need to embellish, BS or sensationalise it."
Andy; Andy, Andy...Hello!!!
The loss of this years event will make team USA stronger and they sure kick some ass next year. Ryan Villopoto is the fastest man for me right now and maybe with guys like Ryan Dungey and Blake Baggett or even Eli Tomac should bring home the title next year. Hope to be there next year... Until then, I will be watching our guys like Max Nagel on his new Honda in Valkensvaard in march at the GPs.... You shoul be there, too:-)
The MXDN made Dowd and Doug Henry look bad by watering a already mud fest track. Every dog has it's day, one way or another. I just hope RV does go over there to race the GP series some day.
@ Bear Head back in the deep woods and take a shit your constipated .
Far into the woods so we cant smell you Sasquatche
I am so sick of all this talk about how we got smoked! what the hell? I still believe we had the best overall team but we were not lucky. i think the germans had a number 3 team but rode solid with very few mistakes and thats why they won. Our guys were plenty fast enough to win the title but we crashed left and right. and germany didnt. like bill c said , hearlings and caroli and a few others were faster than us but we didnt need to beat those guys cause the rest of thier team sucked. just sayin.
Good to see that US MX fans are begining to understand the differences between our US National series and the GP's. Its a difficult comparison but so easy to fall into the mindset of 'we are faster because...". I stidd there during the fianl moto last week feeling sad that we were not going to take the Chamberlin Cup home but what a shot to see Tony and Jeffery dance around that 4' deep sand track at those speeds with all that smooth style... on those 350 KTM's (you know, the bike everybody hates to love, loves to hate?). Funny getting on the shuttle bus sunday morning to go to the track and I was surrounded by fans from LA, Ohio and Idaho, great to see so many Yanks make the effort to go to the race! I am still picking the Lomell sand out of my pockets!
bermblaster wrote: about 2 hours ago
I am so sick of all this talk about how we got smoked! what the hell? I still believe we had the best overall team but we were not lucky. i think the germans had a number 3 team but rode solid with very few mistakes and thats why they won. Our guys were plenty fast enough to win the title but we crashed left and right. and germany didnt. like bill c said , hearlings and caroli and a few others were faster than us but we didnt need to beat those guys cause the rest of thier team sucked. just sayin.
Unlucky isn't crashing that's rider error. Having a front wheel collapse because you rode into another bike is not unlucky it's rider error. Having to push outside your ability at that time/track causes this sort of thing to happen. Jeremy horebeek blowing his motor and possibly costing them the title is bad luck.Good luck for the US though as it could have pushed you off the podium.
I remember when everybody said the 350 has not enough power when Short was on it ... TC and JH showed us the truth ... would have loved to see Roczen on a 350 as well.
yeah right a Supercross of Nations ... a couple of years Germany will beat you there and you want a Baseball of nations.
And pitbull is right not the Sandboys won it was KR, MN and MS.
And I can't wait for Anaheim ...
Stop making excuses, lets come to a1. What a f#$##k is that. Thats
supercross, another sport. Can't compare with that. In that Case we can say enduro, six days. But USA:s
didn't win that either. Can't win all the time. Congrats to germany and
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu@k me... look at it logically.
Lets start with the fact that despite being sandy, it is a motocross track. People always say Southwick is so sandy, rough and unpredictable. So no excuses there.. It was lost, boohoo, gain it back next year.
Next, look at the money in US sport, there is so much funding, the sport is bigger, so you can expect a lot of good riders, especially coming out of 300+ million people. Also such a huge following and lots of land is useful.
Now if we are comparing GPs and AMA then surely a fairer test would be to have US vs Europe vs RoW. Seeing as a lot of the euro teams have 1 or 2 top riders, but never the third to finish the team off. Last year the French had 3 good riders and it was a hell of a lot closer wasn't it!? When you get the top 10 euros and the top 10 US riders, it would be more like that.
Also, RV I'm sure many people would consider is the fastest rider in the world, but notice how there is a skills gap to second, third, etc. It was similar in previous years with RC, one outstanding rider then a gap then the mortals.
And one race to decide it.. really?! Just leave it at the fact both have good racers, both are different series and both should mean as much, albeit you'd be richer in the US....
A top level motocross rider should be good in all conditions. Also, Germany are not known sand specialists, yet they won.. hmm. The best guys of the day didn't really have an effect on it either. So that throws your theory that it was planned so that the US lose out the window!!
Why not run an SX of Nations?! Thatd be crazy good. 7 riders from the US, EU and RoW... or same format as MXoN..
people take things sooo seriously... relax, go ride.
The reason us euros gloat is you guys always win ! & the size of your country you should ! We all no you would have won on any other gp track ! Having said that you must except getting lapped is humiliating .
If you think you have problems , us brits were 8th
I get so frustrated and almost angry reading some of these posts. It's good haha makes me realise I am going to German next year even if I have to cycle there from England.
I do feel that the euro countries get stitched up with largest populations being around 80 million. Would be interesting to look at bike sales in europe v america. Also a race top 10 euros v top ten AMA guys would be as good, if not better than MXdN. Rotate location every year.
@SevenEight you guys have churned out some amazing riders, can only imagine that racing is small in SA. (Kiwi's in the same boat, 3mil population?) Loved watching Albertyn, you never knew what was coming. Also had a go on the dogems with Langston when I was about 15, was well excited by that. That was the night before the race at foxhills too. You wouldn't see that happen at a AMA national, crashing into any of the top riders the night before. Haha Also the
Wow, some of these post are so long, they need to include an index. There may have been some good points sprinkled in them, but luckily I have better things to do then read them all.
So after the MEC, it will be nothing but dead horse beating until A1.
It should have been than no then, for all you editors wannabes out there.
Pinkflyd42, don't you think having the MXoN at Budds Creek was a distinct advantage for us then? So basically, we need to start finding tracks that nobody has ever ridden before so no advantage is to be had? Maybe create a track specifically for MXoN?
So basically the promoters of the MxoN is biased towards Cairoli is what your saying?
I don't understand this. Stanton whooped everyone's ass over there.. And he never rode it before. What's the difference?
I'm not following anyone. We got beat! Period. We were 6 sec a lap off the pace, that's so ridiculous is disturbing. It has nothing to do with disadvantages.. It has to do with the current state of American MX, while still better than the world, has had other riders close the gap on our speed. The 450 national class was pathetic this year. Andrew short and 5 other factory riders got their asses handed to them by 48 year old men who showed up on a whim, and a guy on a stock bike. We need to take a second look at our program over here.
Sorry, but true.
I for one Andy liked your write up. Fauck everyone else if they can't take a joke.
@ rickamatuzio You need Beat over the head your a c*cky A-HOLE Douuuuuuuuche' Tell Susan = Tr%mp!
@ Pinkflyd42 I bet you will have no problem claiming the win IF! the US wins a GH in 2015. Even though chances are the riders will be based out of So Cal. Such a sore loser.
@FrickNFrack: Med Check again ole buddy...
Floyd42, I agree with you for the most part. However, adapting to tracks is apart of being a great rider. We really don't know if Dungey would be Cairoli on hard pack tracks. I'm pretty sure he could, but we don't know.. It's assumption.
Sand riding is sand riding, regardless of where it is. Southwick is similar to Lommel in a lot of respects.
I agree with everything else you say.. Except I will never believe somebody PICKED a track with a single purpose of defeating Dungey. The tracks circulate (I think) like the Superbowl. One things for sure.. We need work to win back the title!
I apologize to everyone about this little douche bag making remarks hiding behind his keyboard under a phony name. He's upset I wouldn't give him my "autograf" a few weeks ago. I would guess he is about 15 years old, never raced, and has a peni* the size of a screwdriver.
I invite all Cairoli and Herlings to attend the upcoming Monster Energy Cup SX event.
Bowyer, you seem like a college dropout who's never travelled; and you treat your audience the same.
I've spent a lot of time in America and I love it but f-k, it's the most insular, arrogant and ignorant county I've ever visited. I bet most of you couldn't even point to belgium on a f-ing map. People ride bikes in other counties, they're fast, just like anywhere you go there are going to be talented people. your best riders are out at the minute, Dungey is obvioudly fast as f-k but he's not the fastest. All I ever hear from Americans is 'fastest in the world', It should be some of the fastest in the world. We get it down the f-in throat all the time and then you lot get beat once and you can't f-ng stand it.
Obviously passionate. Crack on lads it's good for ya.
@ Rrrryan well go back to Mongolia, hang out with your friends the Anteaters take that long snout of your and stick in some other orfices.........You forgot hanging in the rain forest that ryan is spelled Douche' bag !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL !!!!!!!!!
Barcia, Dungey and Bagget where battling in one moto with guys who can't make a top 5 in the gp's... getting lapped on a 30min race,that's called a taile kicking for sure!
No way an ama guy can lap cairoli or herling on any track! not supercross, not their practice track, NOWHERE!!!
Thanks to this race, we know where the real men race...
bartster: Big mouth I guareentee will never find out because those European girls won't come and race for an AMA championship. Thye're a lot smarter than you are though...
My local junkyard would be a better track than that crap hole at Lommel. Forget about this rigged race everybody. Lets get ready for the MEC and some real racing!!!!!!!!!!
And What Comes Round, Goes Round...
As this forum reverts once again to; Mine is bigger, faster and lasts longer than yours...
You can take the mind out of the boy, but you can't take the boy out of the mind that he never had to begin with!
Moving right along... ;~}}}
DuluthMN wrote: about 20 hours ago
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
MECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMECMEC !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD ! SAM BOYD !
It's funny how much flak JS7 copped for just racing indoors. Probably from the same people calling for AC222 and JH84 to race it. Outdoors is the real sport, for men. Supercross, as much as I like watching it, is just for show. A filler until the outdoors starts again. Where douche's wearing H&H and Unit can go, drink light beer and carry on about the 2 riders they know in the 450 class.
20 laps on a freeway compared to 30+2 in the heat! Speaks for itself.
Floyd, quit with the SPECIFICALLY picked track!!! Every year they race at a different location! They are not picked. The Americans have raced at Lommel 3 times that I know of, and probably more.
Its not like next year "somebody" can pick Milville to hold the MXoN so Dungey can whoop up on Cairoli. It doesnt work that way...
A MX track is a motocross track!! Clay, sand, black dirt.. whatever.. we got beat because they are better sand riders, Period.
I know it hurts, but next year maybe they will race a track that resembles firmer ground and we will see what happens. I guarantee you, if they held the MXoN at Unadilla next year.. Cairoli wins if he gets a start in the top 3. The dude rips..He has beaten Dungey on other tracks besides Lommel.
I love your american pride, but I also hate looking at our riders through rose colored glasses.
Floyd, quit with the SPECIFICALLY picked track!!! Every year they race at a different location! They are not picked. The Americans have raced at Lommel 3 times that I know of, and probably more.
Its not like next year "somebody" can pick Milville to hold the MXoN so Dungey can whoop up on Cairoli. It doesnt work that way...
A MX track is a motocross track!! Clay, sand, black dirt.. whatever.. we got beat because they are better sand riders, Period.
I know it hurts, but next year maybe they will race a track that resembles firmer ground and we will see what happens. I guarantee you, if they held the MXoN at Unadilla next year.. Cairoli wins if he gets a start in the top 3. The dude rips..He has beaten Dungey on other tracks besides Lommel.
I love your american pride, but I also hate looking at our riders through rose colored glasses.
@ rickamatuzio Susan is a monkley butt
http://www.vtcministry.com/images/A_-_flamer.gif
@pinkfld42: I believe he'd beat him at a track that's a bit like an european one (like unadilla). Dungey is not like that incredibly fast like Villopoto, sure he is also fast but I think he would beat him..
I hope he will try and race some us races int he next years where the gps have a break.. I doubt he will make the step over to the ama for a whole series because he has no reason to do so... becoming WC year after year I believe you earn enough money, so why leave family and friends behind and prove yourself in the US?
Still it would be awesome for us Fans to see him batteling Dungey, Reed RV Canard etv :D
"Jean Michael Bayle. People talk about underrated racers, but this Frenchman is the most underrated motocross rider of all-time"
SX + 250cc+ 500cc all in ONE YEAR, on (some) tracks he never visited before.
I did see people throwing rocks and calling him names at races...no wonder he left. Why cannot people just appreciate raw talent, whatever background they may have.
Happy to see that US crowds and Fans have matured since back then.
USA is THE country for MX / SX, of course others want to beat the top dogs, just check # Licenced riders and Dirt Bike sales / Industry.
Lierop 2004 and the US are a no show. I wasn't surprised as it's even rougher than Lommel. The US couldn't claim they never new the type of track or had ever ridden anything like it before either so no excuse for getting beat this time even though they have been here before. Both Lierop and Lommel are on the GP circuit so are not chosen specifically to beat anyone or do you want that so you can pick a track you want? I can remember Belgium running the MXoN at Nismes, a grass track, so deinitely not to their advantage. Germany next year they could have chosen the track the US practiced on, other than Lommel, this year because it's not "US friendly" but no. I'm sure with a country the size of Europe you have a deep enough pool to get a create a competitive team but it won't be the spanking you think or you took this year. The GP champions will not get lapped. Give it a few years and another real sand track will be on the agenda so book a vacation now or start practising because you will know what to expect. As for Sx this is a totally different sport or shall we include freestyle as well? The Euros, especially the French, are not as bad at SX as the US are in sand and again wouldn't get lapped. A few Frechies have proved this already and in the US and in Eurocross the other top riders are not that far behind. Roczen proved this and had never ridden SX. Next time it's sand come over 2 months early and give yourself a chance and earn the respect you expect and the Euros will give it.
@pinkfld42
You seem to embody the usual, shortsighted perspective of the American contingent.
Lommel handpicked? ha! Give me a break.
You guys will never 'get it' because you're forever offsetting every single thing against what happens in America. This is summed up by the ridiculous, misguided opinion that all riders should be judged on YOUR AMA tracks and nothing less.
Guess what, there are two other sand tracks like Lommel on the GP calendar each year. Thats three GP's where your National Champions are, judging by last weekend, likely to get lapped.
Thats not including Kegums in Latvia, which is similar to Southwick, or the numerous hardpack tracks like Saint Jean d'Angely which Bagget then called 'one of the toughest tracks I have ever raced on'.
The top US riders are phenomenal and technically excellent. The AMA is an incredibly fast and competitive Motocross series which includes some great tracks and exciting racing... but the be all and end all, it is not!
Ok, I give up.. Lommel was specifically picked.
I also hear that John Dowd had the AMA specifically put Southwick in the mix this year so he could retain his #.
It had nothing to do with promoters, the AMA, scheduling, and past 30 years.
I would think Dungey and Cairoli would split 50/50 at any track. Your right, we will probably never know.. but its irrelevant.
Whats important? KEEPING RIDERS HEALTHY this year so we dont fall asleep
About Lommel specifically picked.
Did not the US team won MXON for the first time here back in 1981 ? So WTF ?
Then .... I often have this in mind, the US being so big, I think should be
faced to real competition, like USA vs Europevs Russia vs Asia ... & so on.
Or should it be France vs Belgium vs Great Britain (etc ...) vs Wyoming vs Iowa vs North Dakota (etc ...) ?????
Hi from a JMB111 fan who was (and still is) a huge fan of the top 'mericans too, from Marty Smith to Bob "Hurricane" Hannah, Rick Johnson, Johnny O', David Bailey, Jeff Ward & then Ryan Dungey & Eli Tomac those days.
@McChicken
"Happy to see that US crowds and Fans have matured since back then."
Really sure about that ???? ;-))
@pinkfld42
Keep cool man ... ther's absolutely no agression in my mouth !