As someone who wasn't really a Villopoto fan I have been becoming more of a fan since he decided to do the GP's. After watching that interview I am back to where I started. When he was talking about Jose Butron taking him out he referred to him as "spanish guy". Butron is an accomplished GP regular not just some back of the pack "spanish guy". I just thought it showed a complete lack of respect. I watched his gopro video and to me it looked like Butron got bumped out of his rut by another rider and swung wide into RV. Didn't look like a take out to me at all, just a racing thing. Maybe it's just me, but he just comes off as too cocky.
When you are at or near the top of the sport it is hard to not be arrogant. Bottom line is this guy has worked his ass off to be the best of the best so... I saw an old interview with James Stewart the other night and it was so funny watching him talk crap. Arrogant all the way. At the time though there was no one that could touch him. i think you need some of this to push yourself to the top. Some people hid it better than others but you have to believe in yourself to be the king.
Only saw 1/2 but I'm with that guy and the culture word ... Hes says it's no rules ..its pretty cool ... That's too cool ... My hats off ... He should come home an American hero ... -- I just found this ... Has anyone saw this race on line? Clement Desalle tried to stay with Villopoto but the speed of the AMA Supercross champion through the wave section was just unbelievable, like nothing we have seen in Europe. The many jumps and technical sections really played into the hands of the Monster Energy rider as he held at nine second lead after four laps. Gotta add this ... 10 laps in and the lead is now 17 seconds as Villopoto continues to destroy the Thailand circuit. On lap 11 he pulled four seconds on Desalle to move to 21 seconds ahead and the destruction of the GP riders continues. Villopoto continued to put together amazing laps times moving a further eight seconds on Desalle in a single lap, going 29 seconds ahead on lap 12 and 42 seconds on third places Paulin. Just as he showed little mercy on his American rivals over the last 10 or so years Villopoto totally dominated the GP riders on this warm day in Thailand winning the MXGP qualification race and he goes into tomorrows GP as the heavy favourite. -- Seems RV2 uncorked one? ...
He totally took him out, it was just unintentional. Didn't see him get bumped out of his rut, he just missed the rut and cleaned villo out. I guess I have no problem with him being miffed about being taken out. It appeared unintentional, but it was Butron's mistake. Glad the GoPro's footage does reveal it as a racing incident, the TV coverage made it look like a hacksaw move. But I have no problem with being upset over getting cleaned out, racing incident or otherwise. There is a lot at stake, hell I get pissed over a racing incident for a $90 local payout envelope!
Check out the CN interview, it is really good. http://cyclenews.uberflip.com/t/24308 Says the 101 degree weather was a shock and he had nothing for the two guys in front of him ont he second moto. Also said he is focused on overalls not race wins. Great interview. This guy must be getting really tired and distracted by the crazy media frenzy.
Thanks for the link! You got it backwards though, he said overalls are okay, but race wins is what he wants, which makes more sense as he only gained one point on Desalle with the overall, when it could have been 6 points with a second moto victory. I haven't been so excited about the GP's in ages (never!). I always liked Villo but Dungey is kinda my guy....now I can enthusiastically pull for both of them!!
I finally got to watch the interview (work computer had no sound).... I guess I'm not seeing anything cocky or disrespectfull? Actually I got the opposite impression, gave them all props saying 'all these guys are fast' and 'It's not going to be easy' and even purposely avoided saying 'I hope I win the title' at the end there....I thought he was well-spoken and articulate, very grounded, and the happiest and most casual I've seen him in a LOOOONG time. He came across as up tight and not having any fun for the last few years. I think him being there will actually give Americans a new respect for the GP's. Now to get Luongo out of there and start sharing the money with the riders.....
I haven't been a fan of RV but this interview has made me rethink things and I'm (I think) now a fan of his for GP.
