Cycle News

Cycle News 2011 Issue 50 Dec 13

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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VOL. 48 ISSUE 44 DECEMBER 13, 2011 It was a year to remember for Ryan Villopoto. P119 BY SHAN MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIT PALMER R yan Villopoto's performance at the 2007 Motocross of Nations at Budds Creek was one of the most remarkable feats in the history of the sport. Riding a 250F against the best 450 riders in the world, the 19-year-old Kawasaki rider from Washington ran away with both his motos and led the US squad to a resounding victory. At that moment, the world took note of Ryan Villopoto, and he was subsequently tabbed as the heir apparent to Ricky Carmichael's motocross throne. Two years later, when he graduated into the premiere division, RV was pegged as one of the favorites and destined to win a Supercross title in his rookie year. And though he won his share of races, the next two seasons would be plagued with injury and illness preventing him from performing at his best, and sometimes not at all. In 2010, Villopoto suffered his most serious injury to date, a broken leg at the St. Louis Supercross, and it would take nearly a year for the 23-year-old to completely recover. However, with the help of his new trainer Aldon Baker, Villopoto fought his way back from injury to post an amazing season in 2011, taking the AMA Supercross title and the outdoor 450 title. In addition, he, once again, aided the U.S. 118-125 Villopoto Interview.indd 119 12/9/11 2:18 PM

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