Ricky Carmichael, often hailed as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time, recently addressed a growing debate in the motocross community: Are today’s riders better than those from his era? Known for his impressive 15 AMA National Motocross Championships and his unparalleled dominance during the late 90s and early 2000s, Carmichael’s response carries weight. However, his stance on the matter is thoughtful, nuanced, and rooted in respect for the evolution of the sport.
Carmichael, who retired in 2007, is often regarded as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) in the sport due to his unmatched consistency and sheer talent. But as motocross has advanced, a new generation of riders has risen, many of whom have set new records, used state-of-the-art equipment, and been trained with more advanced techniques. With riders like Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton excelling in modern Supercross and Motocross, comparisons between Carmichael’s generation and today’s athletes have become more frequent.
Despite the remarkable talent of modern riders, Carmichael humbly disagrees with the idea that today’s riders are inherently better than his generation. In a recent interview, he stated that while the sport has evolved, it is important to appreciate the context of each era. According to Carmichael, the level of talent in both generations is significant, but the circumstances are vastly different “Our Era Built the Skills, Not the Tech”….. Today’s riders have access to improved technology, better training methods, and more refined bikes, giving them an edge in terms of performance. However, Carmichael emphasized that during his time, the competition was also fierce, and his success was a result of pushing the limits in an era where the equipment and training methods were not as advanced.
Carmichael pointed out that riders from his generation had to contend with more basic technology and often faced more unpredictable conditions. Tracks were rougher, and injuries were more common due to the lack of modern safety gear and medical advancements. He also reflected on the fact that motocross has become more of a global sport, with riders coming from all over the world and raising the level of competition.
While Carmichael respects the modern crop of riders, he made it clear that comparing eras isn’t straightforward. Each generation of athletes has faced its own unique challenges. Carmichael stressed that rather than focusing on whether one generation is better than the other, fans and pundits should appreciate the achievements of both. Riders of every era have contributed to the sport’s growth and success, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in motocross.
In conclusion, while today’s riders may have certain advantages in terms of technology and training, Carmichael’s opinion reflects a deep respect for the evolution of motocross and the riders who helped shape its history. The debate of who’s “better” will always persist, but Carmichael’s legacy remains a testament to the greatness of his generation—one that laid the foundation for the riders who followed.
