Motocross is amazing. In fact, to compare its roots to where we have come and where we might go, you wouldn't even think it the same sport. We have come from bikes that were nothing more than a street motorcycle missing a few odds and ends, maybe sporting a knobby tire, and riders wearing gear resembling the leathers used by their road race counterparts to the colorful, terrain specific machines that look nothing like our current street steeds save the common link that connects all motorcycles. Two wheels.
Two wheels, what is so special about that? While I can not sum up in mere words what two wheels means to us all, we all know the answer. Everything is special about "that".
No, it's not the fact we see all of the worlds greats race one another at a common event, nor is it the diverse field that interests me, it's the team atmosphere. In a sport where the individual is king, changing up your game plan from winning at all costs to a more conservative doing what's best for your team is a huge challenge.
Riders are highly competitive individuals. They hate to lose at ping pong, let alone on the race track. But at the motocross of nations, the rider must lose his ego, strap on his thinking helmet, and ride smart.
Sure the fastest team has the best shot, but mistakes and accidents happen. Heck, even last year both Tim Ferry and Ricky Carmichael were caught up in first turn wrecks that could have ruined Team USA's chances. However both riders rode within themselves, made sure they didn't wreck, and finished the moto (and did very well I might add).
I almost don't agree with this race fundamentally. Sure it's great to see a competition between countries, along with the prestige and tactics and pride that the race brings. But do we actually get to see a race?
I think the team aspect ruins competition. In fact, wouldn't you much rather have watched James Stewart do everything in his power to run with Stephen Everts two years ago? I felt cheated, yeah sure we won the cup, yeah sure Stewart rode smart in a time he was often criticized for not riding smart, and yeah sure......I got cheated, yo.
I'm not saying Stewart would have beat the King, but I would love to have seen him try....and the fans on hand probably felt cheated too....They don't have the absolute certainty that their rider, Everts, truly beat Stewart, straight up. Fast forward to this year's race.
This year, the competition will be better than ever. Hell, the U.S. is fielding a monstar team, no kidding!
The Brits are solid, of course Australia looks excellent too, and many, many more teams do as well. I can not wait to see Searle go against RV, RV against Stewart, and Red Dog teach some young kids that he, the old dog, still has a few new tricks. But what is the real story this year?
I feel it's a changing of the times. While no one is discussing it, this could very well be James Stewart's last des Nations. If he does not campaign an outdoor series next year, he doesn't deserve to go, period.
So what does it all mean? It means watch out for Stewie to come out swinging. I think he wants to put to rest any doubt he is currently the fastest rider in the world, RV not withstanding. I think he wants to prove to everyone that despite his "new" maturity, he can still fly when need be.
Will James play team this year?
No. By competing at a fundamental level, himself vs everyone else, he will do more than that.
James will psychologically ruin every other teams' campaign. Expect him to dominate every second of every lap on the track. He alone will break the will of all other riders, and that, is his higher power.
Edit: Obviously, I am American....GO USA BABY!!!!! But of course I have an opinion, so feel free to bash it, I encourage it!
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