by Davey Coombs
450 Words: When Worlds Collide
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PrintWhen the checkered flag fell on the 2012 Motocross of Nations in Lommel, Belgium, it was hard not to be happy for Tony Cairoli as a racer and for Germany as a whole. And it was hard to be too upset for Team USA—it was simply their turn to leave the race empty-handed, having lost the Peter Chamberlain Trophy for the first time since their last trip to Belgium, in 2003. On Sunday, the latest American winning streak ended at seven (they did not race in 2004) and the second-guessing from the other side of the Atlantic began almost immediately, which one could only expect—the rest of the world has been waiting for quite some time to win this race.
For Tony Cairoli the MXoN has been a frustrating exercise in futility for years, his Italian team either making remarkable mistakes (think “cheese wheel” in 2007) or being just plain unlucky (like the crashes that knocked them out at their home race at Brescia in 2009). Team Italia did not win this time either, but Cairoli was able to take a huge personal win in the soft sands of Lommel, winning the MX1 races and beating his Team USA nemesis Ryan Dungey and everyone's odds-on favorite to win in the sand, Dutch teenager Jeffrey Herlings.
Cairoli was spectacular at Lommel en route to the top spot in the MX1 Class.
Ray Archer photo
Cairoli was incredible to watch in the sand, driven to get the MXoN monkey off his back; to do it in the sands of Lommel, against the younger Herlings, made it an even sweeter success. Tony is not a natural sand pilot, as Italian tracks are notoriously flat, fast, and slick. Rather, he is a superb athlete who taught himself to ride in the rough stuff by planting himself right there in Belgium. After years of frustration, he finally got to put two solid race wins together to take the individual overall outright.
Germany has also been waiting a long time to win the Motocross of Nations—sixty-six years, to be exact. Led by Ken Roczen, back on familiar turf and with familiar friends and equipment, the Germans were set to at least podium, though few in the paddock or the press room really had them pegged to win for the first time ever. But Max Nagl was almost as rock-solid as Roczen all weekend long, and the veteran Marcus Schiffer was more than capable of being a solid third man on a team that has waited longer than anyone to actually win the MXoN. They left little doubt as to which country had the best day in Lommel.
As for the rest of the results, there's bound to be second-guessing and armchair quarterbacking, especially when it comes to Team USA. Some of the European reporters were downright giddy after the race—one sent me a photo of Ryan Dungey with the caption “Look, is that the world's fastest amateur?”
But after the race, the three Americans—Dungey, Blake Baggett, and Justin Barcia—stood tall on the bottom step of the podium, accepting this defeat as they have every victory I can remember: with respect and with humility and the inherent knowledge that there's going to be another one of these races in a year's time, which they will be expected to win but just might lose. In some ways, the same goes for other exceptional athletes who did not have their best days in Lommel: Marvin Musquin, Tommy Searle, Gautier Paulin, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Zach Osborne, Evgeny Bobryshev....
Ken Roczen helped lead Germany to its first victory in 66 years.
Ray Archer photo
So what has this race changed in the whole big scheme of motocross things? Honestly, nothing comes to mind.
Roger DeCoster chose the game-changing Team USA in 1981, and he chose Team USA again this time around. Roger's still the smartest man in racing. “The Man” stood by the kids he chose, and they stood by him—it just wasn't their year. I told Ryan Dungey as much after the race when we all sat in the hotel bar and talked about going home—our riders had been over there for almost two weeks preparing in the hopes of reaching an eighth straight win.
Congrats to Germany, congrats to Tony Cairoli, and congrats to the runners-up from Belgium, the country that put this whole party on, both this year and back in 1981, when everything really did change based on the results of one race.... And thank you, Belgium, for letting us have Roger DeCoster.
HOWEVER, just for bench-racing's sake (not to mention the fact that this is a very long flight home), what if we really DID bring a totally different team? How about Mike Alessi, Eli Tomac, and Jake Weimer—all fast, all could have raced in a pinch, and all would have done … what differently?
Or what about the one-third-injured, two-thirds-amateur, all-redheaded Ryan Villopoto, Ricky Carmichael, and Adam Cianciarulo?
What about the all-Chucks: off-roader Charlie Mullins, Team USA veteran Chuck Sun, and the all-around ass-kicking Chuck Norris? Actually, Chuck Sun did at least try....
Team USA gave it their all, but in the end it just wasn't enough.
Ray Archer photo
How about the all-brothers: one Stewart, one Martin, and one Durham?
Team Tedder: Myles, Dakota, and their dad, Matt?
Team Team Managers: Nathan Ramsey, Grant Langston, and Tyler Keefe?
Exported from Australia One Decade Ago: Chad Reed, Michael Byrne, Brett Metcalfe?
All joking aside, it really wouldn't have mattered much. It was Germany's day in Belgium for the first time in 66 years, and I was stoked not only for them but for KTM's Pit Beirer, who won the MXoN as an individual a couple of times but never as a team, and then this time not only his country wins, but three KTM riders in the three classes. Let them enjoy it over in Europe, because we will be back—maybe even with the same three fast men.
Same time next year, boys?
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How did Gautier Paulin not have a decent ride? 2nd in the 1st moto & 4th in the 2nd shouldn't be sniffed at Davey.
Sorry Davey, Paulin was 8th in the 2nd. I didn't think he dropped down that far.
I just love a good story someone tell one .................
Finally, we (Germany) won, YEAH! ... phew ....the (MX-)midget became a giant....
Hey, as great as roczen is, Max did really great and is highly "under-mentioned", he is 2nd fastest in the GPs - if not hurt.
what did we (you?) learn?
-shame on the us? don't think so.
-US has the deepest talent pool,yep - but not the only fast guys. So give some respect to ... ALL!
-away from familiar tracks it gets more difficult, real sand is gnarly
-as much as we (europe/gp/world)) enjoy having beat the US, we still love US racing (too).
peace ;-)
"Some of the European reporters were downright giddy after the race—one sent me a photo of Ryan Dungey with the caption “Look, is that the world's fastest amateur?”
.OUCH!!! I agree RD did not look good over there but he did the job in 09,10,11 and I am guessing him and RV will be back together with Baggett to kick ass again next year.
Let me add who ever took that pic and wrote that should have a Pic of there internals taken with that camera!!! I volunteer!!
Great for Germany, they finally got the monkey off their back, after 66 years! And Ken Roczen is a full time AMA rider which says a lot for him, heck he's practically an American,speaks great english and one of the friendliest riders on thhe AMA circuit. I don't want to hear B team either, we sent our 2 National champs and Barcia who can ride a 450. What else do you want, I give the team credit, they did their best and I support their efforts 100%
I can understand post-race excitement for Germany winning, but any "journalist" (using the term loosely) that refers to Dungey as an amateur is clueless.
Yes, he did not ride well in the sand this year, but Ryan's MXdN resume is pretty stout when compared to any of the GP riders in recent years. How soon people forget.
To whomever made the comment, grow up. That said, all the US fans predicting domination need to show some respect for the GP regulars too. There are a lot of fast guys on either side of the pond.
Just because Roczen and Musquin didn't win a lot of races this year doesn't mean that they didn't learn a lot. I expect them to have much better results next year. Same for Eli Tomac so next year's 250 class should be another outstanding season.
But that is why the run the races. Yes the MEC and SX are interesting events, they are no substitute for the real thing. Can't wait for the outdoors next year.
While others have already said it, congratulations to Germany and Belgium.
Ryan, Blake, and Justin - thanks for giving it your all and for representing the US very well.
DC - PLEASE find another sand track besides Southwick. Florida has many and you've been talking about a National in the Southeast for a while now.
Welker, what was the track in Illinois that hosted a national in the late 70s that everyone, including Hannah, said was incredibly rough? Is it still open?
With the current setup of just three motos being run, it is all the more amazing that the US has won 7 straight with only 1 score being thrown out. I really think it should be class finish like it used to be, and not the overall finish in the race regardless of bike, but this does give other countries a better chance. In fact, if they are only going to run 3 motos, I'd rather see one race for each class. Better yet, I'd like to see 3 class motos run Saturday and then a second 3 run Sunday so we have the traditional 2 moto format. Do qualifying on Friday by laps time and drop the quali-races. The qualifying races are a whole lotta hoopla to see who is going to race.....rather see races run that count towards the final results since they are running a full day of races anyway.
DC you said nothing comes to mind. I feel the opposite. I think a feeling of mutual respect of both riders and fans is apparent.. It seemed as thou the US was awakened by a group of GP riders who have been under the radar by the wave of how the new motocross era has taken shape. Not everyone has to do supercross to be a great rider. Somedays even at the amatuer level your the best one at the track and it feels good
It's so interesting to see how US media deal with the lose; one thing that stands out is the downplaying of the race. When the US wins we'll never hear that the race means nothing. In fact, we're used to hearing how much it means, the amazing amount of pressure the riders are under, and how it's the proving grounds for the greatest riders in history.
What's really changed in the scheme of things, is DC's attitude.
I say throw Glen Helen back on the schedule and a gnarly Florida sand track and that should make most happy.
@Hayzoos - don't look for conspiracy theories concerning the "evil US media". People are people, and it is everyone's right to downplay bad news and pump up, embelish, or otherwise inflate their good news to fit their conversations. It is called Bench Racing because it pays no purse, offers no trophies, nor does it matter - it is just fun. Let someone who flew across the ocean in coach, stood around a dumb sand track drinking a warm beer, and watched their Heros get humbled recount the story however they see fit, and they will extend the same grace to you when you talk about how you almost won this and could have been that. It is all good. DC, Ping, Weege, Matthes - they are just like we are, except we don't have a commentary section after everything we say, so we don't hear all of the wacko comments from left field coming from would-be-deitys.
@ Jesus Since you are everywhere at once ..Why dont you report the story while its happening live style............You look like shit,smoke some dope and come back and tweet us .............Kurt Cobaine .....Ha Ha
"Some of the European reporters were downright giddy after the race—one sent me a photo of Ryan Dungey with the caption “Look, is that the world's fastest amateur?”
That just shows that the reporter has no class. If he is a journalist then that is even worst because I'm a true believer that journalism is dead...especially in America, I never thought Europe would be like that too.
This race has always been about bringing the world together to race motocross! To put all of our political differences aside, pick your guys to race our guys and may the best team win!! This year, Germany had the best team and to them go the spoils and bragging rights, Congratulations!!
It is never fun to lose, especially after having tasted so much success, but one must give credit where credit is due, this is just motocross, not life or death. We should lift up the good stories and appreciate the talent of Cairoli, Herlings and Roczen, all of which rode amazing.
Some times we put to much emphasis on winning, the Nations race may only have one team crowed champion, but each country that participated had three riders, each one of them has a story, about riding for their country and the pride they felt. In my eyes, they are all winners, their names will now go down in history for riding in this glorious event. With that, I tip my helmet to all who those who rode in the Motocross of Nations, to you the biggest of CONGRATULATIONS!!!
If I were from Italia, I would be crowing about my rider riding and winning on minibikes in the bottomless fine sand. 350cc against a 450cc on a pure horsepower track? You kidding me? Tony was a Ferrari racing against Corollas (or is it spelled Cairoli in Europe?)
@DC, well written!
@BD, great comments
@BigUgly So when you loose and the media plays it down it's called benchracing, and when you win and the media plays it up it's called reporting?
Talk about beating a dead horse (power) ....
When does SX start?
What I found interesting was Roger Decosters comment that riding in sand is like riding a jetski, you have to lean back and let the front end wander. If you look at Dungeys riding style his cornering speed has a lot to do with how far forward he sits. I would like to see Matt Walker or Gary Bailey give us their comments on this as I believe that Dungeys riding style not his speed slowed him down. After all normally he doesnt crash very often ? Congratulations to all the riders , I have done a few beach races and know how hard it is ti ride in that type of sand.
The whole thing doesn't have anything to do with the Americans vs Rest of the world. It's just the simple fact that everybody hates a winner, more so after 7 straight Des Nations victories. If Italy or Finland had been dominating in the same way team USA have done they would have been at the end of it all.
Like someone above said, Des Nations is a chance for the whole of motocross to unite and put on one of the best moto shows there is, period.
Of course there is going to rivalry between countries but thats part of it. I bet no rider at the Des Nations is second guessing the ability and talent of the American riders. But when you're out of your comfort zone and racing on "unknown grounds" you're going to struggle a bit, and team USA did and thats the end of it. To do so and catch some bad luck(like so many other countries did) and still finish on the podium is in my book pretty damn good.
There is no GP in AMA, nor is there AMA in GP....get my point?. This is to championship with one thing in common, the difference between them. Both series brings different challanges to the riders and they train and work their socks off to overcome that. There's no point turning laps on a deep sandtrack if your're not going up against that when you're racing, just like there is no point to train for SX if you're not racing it. What i'm trying to say is that there is no right or wrong here, the GP series isn't a better series just beacause they race sandtracks you probably could lose your bike in and never find it again. Nor so is the AMA the right series just because you catapulting over Larocco's leap and race indoors for half the season.
The AMA series has developed alot of outstanding riders and so has the GP's. How could you choose between Ricky Carmichael and Stefan Everts?. I bet thoose two guys have tons of respect for each other, that's what's making you a champion. Respect you're opponent.
Just as we the fans that's making this big industry of motocross turn around should respect both each other and pretty much any guy that got the balls to be behind the gate.
"Worlds Fastest Amateur"
It's a combination of irony and sarcasm people.
It would have been just a bit of a joke / dig between journalists, that DCmay have thought more people here would understand. Though, he may have just put it in to create the inevitable indignation / squealing.
For those that don't know, it was a term often used by MXA - well Jody Weisel - to describe Dave Thorpe. Usually, the average US fan, may know about O'Mara beating him at the 86 MX Des, on a 125. That's all that most know.
Go looking for a recent issue of Cycle News, where, for once, a respectful, thoughtful article was written about Thorpe - with him passing comments about it.
He could, himself, endlessly dump on Team USA, as the year before, 1985, he utterly destroyed them. David Bailey, and Ron Lechien were two of the riders he made look like amateurs. But, no, he never has - he downplays it. He is a friend of both Bailey and O'Mara, and often rode with them during testing in the US. His praise for how O'Mara rode that day in '86 is fullsome and generous.
A humble, gracious, 3 time world 500 Champion, who copped nothing but crap from a 'Journalist' - I've often wondered what he did to Weisel - probably lapped him 4 times whilst Weisel got one lap around a track?
So, there's a back story to the pic and caption that DC recieved - perhaps DC should remind people of what it's about. It always seems that very few people that comment in Racer X, know very little about MX history.
But you wont lap our top gp guys...
It's hard to come back after this race, impossible actualy...unless Dungey can lap Cairoli next year... :)
I personally think the days of US - domination are finally over. I think Europe is faster now outdoors. Maybe guys like Dungey should come over more often to see how it`s done in GP- racing. He looked like a fish out of water in Lommel, but I think he didn`t have his suspension working right. He looked much better in the last race when he tried to wheelie trough the whoops and ruts. Next year will be on hard pack and it will be closer for everyone, including Herlings and Cairoli.
All the Euro bashing i've read from half of the posts (counting other columns, not so much this one), is pure BS. I'm 100% American...welll no i lied, 100% mutt.--german/irish/cherokee/choctaw---still American though.. From the moment i saw Lommel as the hosts of the MxdN, i knew we weren't winning it this year.
I have to agree that the Euros are some hella talented sand riders. Truly a ballet on le sand. Alot of Europeans will probably bash me for this but i could care less. But I say if you bring those boys over here, let them run MX for...f%ck...3 years, they'd be right where the Hahns, Kiniry etc would be, top 10-15.
American MX may not be what is was in the beginning but i'd bet my wife (who wouldnt ahhha) that they are still the gnarliest tracks in the world. The guys who race this shit are pure badass, 1-40.
I raced the local, regional races just for fun really for 10 years, ending 3 years ago when i had a bad wreck on my crotch rocket. Didnt totally screw me up but enough to make me step it down alot, unwillingly. I was regional champ 7 of 10 years with some very stiff competition. I could've gona to LLs and tried to break into pro ranks, money talks though. Just wasn't meant to be i guess. That and I couldnt stand all the travel, not with a wife and 3 kids 7-10.
In conclusion, the Europeans straight up bested us today, as we did them in 07'----GO RV!!----I dont care if you win 30 in a row, you're bound to lose the 31st. Congratulations on a well deserved win, showed us Americans up this year. Excellent job Germany and Belgium. Enjoy your we deserved victory.
And you dipshits quit bagging on Barcia, that kid has the heart of a lion, He didnt screw Dungey up, RD just had a shitty day, He and Bagget are the ones that got us that podium.
Anyhow, see you all at the MEC when RV will make another $1,000,000)
I had to laugh out loud seeing this. So funny! Even the Dunge would have to have a laugh....
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q791/motonut1/image_zps173d96cb.jpeg
mahnoi you have lost your mind. It was a sand track, a clapped out POS sand track at that. You think the AMA National Champ should come to the GPs? Thats where guys who cant cut over here go.
We shoulda sent Dowd!
@cat5superstar Congratulations, you win the highly distinguished 'Donthaveaclueaboutthissport' trophy for this particular page.
I like DC, and I like RacerX. But mentioning a joke email which referenced an old MXA quote as being in bad taste smacks of double standards when RacerX published this pile of crap prior to the MXdN:
http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/09/27/rev-up-merica
It seems like most folks here are calming down regarding the rhetoric about Team USA getting beatch slapped at the MXoN ( yea, we got third...but Herlngs lapped most of the field...including our guys ). Still, this may be a watershed moment for World MX. For the past few years the World Championships have taken a back seat in some quarters to the US Natl's...and it shouldn't. For years we couldn't win a WC...until Bad Brad and then Laporte did it. Perhaps we should take that more seriously...but companies are in the business of selling motorcycles...and the USA buys more of them than anyone else. But this time, let's give the WC contenders some credit...as they showed everyone that they can really roll.
Bear, thanks for pointing out the reason I mentioned the Dungey pic that was sent to me -- there was a precedence there and the British journalist that sent it probably took the original insult to Dave Thorpe "world's fastest novice" with similar disdain.
As for you Jamma10, there is no double standard -- Andy Bowyer writes what he wants to write in the "Rev-Up" and the concept of the column is summed up in the title itself every week: Getting everyone revved up for the coming races.
Finally, I think it's crazy that anyone thinks U.S. riders and reporters somehow have no respect for GP riders; those guys are in very fast, and in the right conditions they can beat anyone. This weekend in Holland the conditions were ripe for American riders to get beat, and they did. But then they went back to the hotel and started talking about what to do differently in 2013 with Roger DeCoster and Mitch Payton.... We've done okay in the MXoN over the last seven years, including this year's third-place. That's what I meant when I said this really hasn't changed anything in the whole big scheme of things -- we have a good system and we churn out some very fast riders, just as Europe does. Nothing changed in the sands of Lommel in that regard.
Anyone, thanks for reading, thanks for the comments.
DC
How about Europeans can suck it.... This is America you lame azz Nazis. We win.
DC, do you feel these kind of comments were in good taste?;
'We’re bringing you Ryan Dungey. He’s ready to race. Both middle fingers up from this writer.'
'Barcia is ready to chop wood. And if you want to get rough, well, that is okay. My man is ready. He'll break your leg, buddy. Better not, better not, hear?'
'It’s actually comical how the motocross community has put all of this heat on that young rider over there. He is a good racer. We’ve seen the like. What we do is kick them in the teeth and show them why we are the best.'
To anyone who is taking umbrage with the way Europeans are rejoicing in the GP riders' success this weekend, can you really blame them after having to read stuff like this week in week out for the best part of 7 years?
The only reasone I think it's funny how the Euro's are acting is 2 point's, One if your not German why you so happy?? Your Country did not win either, It's sad that your just happy Someone beat team USA, If Germany won the next 15 MXD's come the 16th I would be hoping the USA wins not hoping Germany loses. #2 first win in 8 years calm down it's great for ya but don't think your going to reel off 10 in a row over Team USA.
jamma10 Like DC said it's ANDY's Column, he can say what ever he want's it's not up to DC to say it's good or bad.
If you have followed the MXON over the years since the USA started their dominance you will see how the event has changed tring to stop the dominance. The US riders are fast but consistency is what has made them so sucessful. This is why all teams are allowed to drop their worst moto result. The current format was developed to reward a team for best overall performance. Back when each class was scored separate it was easier for a team with one weak rider to succeed. It all comes down to being consistent on the day and limiting your losses. This is something that the USA has perty much perfected during this event.
Jamma10, I just went back and read Andy's column and you are right, it was not in good taste and I would never write or say such a thing, win or lose... I am sure Andy meant not harm, but this column missed it's mark. I am sure he will be serving up some humble pie this week; our boys got beat, and no one gave anyone "double middle fingers" or broke anyone's leg or kicked anyone in the teeth.... But we got beat, straight up, in the sand.
DC
MX Sports
@BillC
When you guys slag off the GP's you're insulting 'our' series, which Americans dismiss as inferior. When you slag off Antonio Cairoli or Jeffery Herlings you're insulting 'our' Champions, likewise Ken Roczen. When American fans took so much joy in him failing to win in his first year racing in the states its wasn't only German fans who stuck up for him, it was people from all nationalities.
European fans root for riders from their own country, but stick together when the World Championship and its riders are vilified by American fans. You guys have claimed superiority for so long its kind of refreshing seeing the 'unbeatable' beaten.
@DC Don't worry, I know you personally have more class than that. But you can see how even things written possibly tongue in cheek don't necessarily portray Americans and Team USA in the best light.
I hear the team got booed by a few (probably drunken idiots) on the podium, which I think is disgraceful, but I can almost guarantee you that it wasn't the riders they were booing, it was the unbearable self-assurance of American fans that they had come to symbolise. 99.9% of fans at Lommel loved watching the American guys ride.
Hopefully this weekend will have realigned things somewhat, so we can all draw a line under it and move on with more respect for one another.
@someguy
Actually 2 GP riders rode in the US this year and guess what, they were a whole lot better than 10-15, also this American Zach osborne, who was 2nd in SX lites west before heading over to the GP's, yeah he pretty much got pimp slapped by herlings all year.
Take top 5 MX1, can run with our top 5 450, and top 3 MX2 can run with our Top 5 250.....oh wait 2 of our top 5 are Euros already...........
Don't forget to Mention, Reed, Rattry, Byrnes, Metcalf.......
Yeah top riders in either series can win motos no matter what race series they are in.
Davey, where are the interviews with the USA riders? Are they too angry at each other to talk? I am dying to hear each one's slant on what happened.
@jgray201: Here is the link: http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/09/30/open-mic-team-usa-post-race-reaction
Dc. The race was in belgium, not holland.
Runka, my bad, I stayed in Eindhoven, spent most of my time there and in Valkenswaard (very cool town in it's own right) and was summing up my time around the event in Holland, not the race itself in Belgium.... It's like being in West Virginia the whole time around the national next door at High Point in Pennsylvania.
DC
MX Sports
Well said Jamma, well said! DC has personally done a lot for our sport!! I once over-stepped the mark with him (he probably wont remember but it involved the James Stewart at Unadilla in '10 saga). He is human and is starting to give GP riders the respect they are due with professional journalism. Thanks DC for everything uve done, are doing and will do for the sport we all love!! I particularly love your TGO movies since they encapture the spirit of the sport so accurately. My favourites are the 03 and 09 seasons. Do they come out every year?
They should do a caption contest for the Dungey and Barcia photo above...... Going back to what happened in 2011 at Unadilla between Dungey and Barcia, which in Dungey's opinion was Barcia being "immature", the look on their faces in the photo to me says the following:
Barcia: " Sorry dude - I see what you meant last year "
Dungey: " .......... "
Dungey wasnt a threat for a win and barcias first moto with the wheel incident could have been avoided if not for poor judgment, in my opinion..seemed like a dumb move ... Barcia would of had a top 3 or 4 finish most likely and it would have been real close for that overall.....but thats why we race the race - J. Stewart
I think the problem with Dungey is the same problem that Short and Windham have and that is that all three of them seem to ride with the feeling that they need to be in complete control and don't like the feeling of the bike wondering around under them they don't like the loose feel where as Bam Bam doesn't seem to mind..
This makes no difference but it proves my point about rewarding teams for overall finishes and constancy. If you were going by finishes by class. Germany would have won by a score of 12 points followed by a tie with Belguim and the USA at 15 points each. Dungey would have scored 5th and 4th Baggett would scored 2nd and 2nd. And Barcia would have scored 10th and 2nd. Again it makes no difference but it is interesting.
Kind of a low blow with what the European reporters were saying.. Shows no professialism at all.. Dungey has spanked Cairolis as$ a dozen times, and Cairoli beats Dungey once and all of a sudden he is the best and fastest?? I dont think so.. Take this race to another track and Dungey kicks his as$ again.. Its just that deep sand that the US riders dont have the expierience in.. Not sayiong Cairoli isnt fast, he is very fast.. But to say Dungey is a fst amatuer is a low and very chilish blow.. It shows the petty jealousy that alot of Europeans have towards the US..
@BillC, I am all for RV1 and Dungey going back.. Bit not Bagget, he still hasnt shown me much at the Des Nations.. Next year maybeTomac if he is still on the 250.. (doubtful) But Bagget has yet to even win a moto. there has he??
jamma10 I hear what your saying but were you here last year when we were told by a few Euro's that Roczen was going to smoke everyone here in 2012? most of the time when people say that roczen did not win at all it is ment for them people. I believe most on here respect the hell out of Rozcen, i know I do!! Guys like EuroMike start a lot of crap on here, you must see it??
No Baggett has not won a moto, But I don't think any 250 guy has sence RV. I think Blake did well this year, only Roczen on a 250 beat him. So I don't know how you could be so disaopointed in him?? he was our Top 250 guy so to not send him would be a slap in the face, Who ever our top 250 guy is should get to go he earned it. He was staronger and in better shape then Tomac or Barcia, He proved it many times.
thatcatschaaf YOT HOT
I have nukes but I'll invade you if you try and get nukes like me.
That's how the World Police works it, from politics right down to racing.
Jesus some people should not own a wheel barrel. It's that simple.
Jesus You have been involved ibn to many HighSchool hazing deals growing up.
If it looks like shit must be shit.................Kinda remind me of ols CZ MARK AND DILDO TONEWALL...............Out in left field.....Look out tone dick the the scartruse green velvet pant man is looking for you disco duck..Keep out of the bay area bath houses douche bag .. Think agout dinner at the local taco stand .I fill the burritos..........HA HA
Okay, my turn.
I love riding dirt bikes as fast as I possibly can and racing motocross (much to the delight of orthopedic surgeons throughout the US). It's been the one constant in my life since I was a child. Virtually everyone I have ever seen ride is both faster than me (in reality) and slower than me (in my fertile imagination).
We are blessed to have the machines that we do, the (ever shrinking) places to ride them, the heroes that we follow at the pinnacle of our sport, and the freedom to judge them (and our) riding any way we like.
It boggles the imagination that we can send our top racers half way around the world to race with others who are equally displaced, and read about it and see it virtually as it happens.
I thank all those whose enthusiasm for the sport compels them to live and breathe it so I can switch it on, at my convenience, and get caught up on all that has happened since I last took the time out of my busy schedule to check in.
I also thank all those that take the time to air their opinions on this, my most cherished sport, so that I can remember that opinions are as varied as there are people to have them.
But the only one that really counts is mine......
If there's ever an American civil war again, just send a loosing team to the des Nations and watch the Americans unite :)
@frirkfu*k finally some truth from you...i'm sure you actually ARE a master burrito filler and also incredibly F'ed up and boring (your crap is so stupid it barely warrants a response) ....... congrats movin up from the mop...keep workin hard and soon you'll get off your knees and into a real carnival job .......maybe this weeks "uncle" will chip in some aluminum can $$$ and will help you get a used crf 50 knock off and you'll start enjoying bikes and learn how to talk to other people without saying 'doooosh" and actually grow up to amount to something and maybe...just maybe get off the meds.....
@tonewall Yeah I seen you on the broadcast over in Lommell you were dressed like the blue man group from England wearing the spandex ....Cherio blu hole
The column "missed the mark" and was "in bad taste." Duh! What else is new? Perhaps RacerX could hire a "real" writer? Ya think?
@BillC Based on last year and the previous MXdN results everyone thought Roczen would win an AMA title in 2012, including most Americans if they were honest. It just so happened that Bagget, Barcia and Tomac all improved their speed and more importantly their consistency and his relative left Roczen came up short.
I don't think a 2nd place in the East Coast Supercross Championship, 2nd place in the 450 class at Seattle Supercross main event and leading the second most number of laps in the Outdoor Nationals is anything to be sniffed at personally. This season was the culmination of three years of hard work and preparation for Baggett, Barcia & Tomac, Roczen turned up in America on his own, aged 17 and mixed it with this guys straight away.
Thanks for my trophy jamma10.
We're number three, we're number three!
Bad Karma or bad starts, Germany deserves the limelight all year long.
And as for Cairoli, I saw him lose to the 07 MXoN team and win against Alessi at the Glen at the G.P. a few years ago, and didn't think he could really do it. shows what I know. To beat Herlings the way he did........well I was flat wrong. I've got a new case of Eurospect.
Team USA did a fantastic job and represented us in typical classy fashion. I could not be more proud of what these riders have accomplished and how they represent our country. Not a punk, asswipe, bully or braggert in the bunch!
Here's to staying healthy for the next season, good luck @ the MEC to all who hope to compete.
Why the fuss about "Worlds Fastest Amateur"? Are these the same people who called Dave Thorpe "Worlds Fastest Novice"?
If the US hadn't wimped out for Lierop, an even rougher track, in 04 they would know what to expect and would have not been keen to show up this time. Methinks they had an idea it wouldn't be a cakewalk. They certainly wouldn't be crap talking before they got here this time as they do which is why it becomes Euros v US. Even if you win in Germany you won't lap AC and the like. That's just embarassing for the Euros who expect it but AMA champions who are supposed to, and expect to, win? Best MXoN I have been to and i've been to a few..
The difference this year is what the riders are sued to riding on. While the people who run motocross here in the states have been making ridiculous changes, the Euros have been steadily chipping away at everything that led us to dominate in 1981. ALL Eruos can now ride SX and none of them are afraid of 70' triples. This was our advantage in 1981, athletic style of riding compared to the stiff "novice" techniques of Euros past. First time I saw a pic of Cairoli scrubbing off a massive jump, I knew this day would come. The US MX scene is all about flash and show and lets smooth the tracks so these pig iron 4-strokes can look good, and lets smooth this so ti looks good for tv. Meanwhile about the ONLY thing their GP counterparts did that made sense was leave the tracks gnarly as all hell. Lommel is GAAH. Give our guys a year on tracks like that and we'd have won. The GP honchos are idiots in another direction, they are trying to turn a farmboy sport into F-1.. excellent riders are home cos they weren't born rich, while half assed riders with rich parents who can BUY their way into GP are poking around getting in the true GP riders's way. By today's setup, Joel Smets, 5x World Champ, would never have even raced a single GP let alone become a legend. People over profits, stop being a**holes! Lets the kids ride damn it, just let the kids ride.!
The difference this year is what the riders are used to riding on. While the people who run motocross here in the states have been making ridiculous changes, the Euros have been steadily chipping away at everything that led us to dominate in 1981. ALL Eruos can now ride SX and none of them are afraid of 70' triples. This was our advantage in 1981, athletic style of riding compared to the stiff "novice" techniques of Euros past. First time I saw a pic of Cairoli scrubbing off a massive jump, I knew this day would come. The US MX scene is all about flash and show and lets smooth the tracks so these pig iron 4-strokes can look good, and lets smooth this so ti looks good for tv. Meanwhile about the ONLY thing their GP counterparts did that made sense was leave the tracks gnarly as all hell. Lommel is GAAH. Give our guys a year on tracks like that and we'd have won. The GP honchos are idiots in another direction, they are trying to turn a farmboy sport into F-1.. excellent riders are home cos they weren't born rich, while half assed riders with rich parents who can BUY their way into GP are poking around getting in the true GP riders's way. By today's setup, Joel Smets, 5x World Champ, would never have even raced a single GP let alone become a legend. People over profits, stop being a**holes! Lets the kids ride damn it, just let the kids ride.!