INTERVIEW
P88
AMA SUPERCROSS/NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPION RYAN VILLOPOTO
"
WE'RE
NOT HEALTHY
VERY OFTEN…
WHATEVER
NAGGING
INJURY IT IS,
YOU FEEL IT
WEEKEND-AFTERWEEKEND
"
doesn't really set that as a priority, as he seems to be resigned
to the idea that he'll retire after
2015, but it's true nonetheless.
While racing is fun for most of us,
for Villopoto it's not. It's a job.
There's a saying that can be
applied to just about any beloved
activity: Be careful when you turn
your hobby into your job, because
you'll need to find another hobby.
This is true of motocross, fishing,
football, or any other hobby that
can be done professionally.
Enter Ken Roczen.
Roczen is now training with RV
and Aldon Baker in anticipation of
Roczen's rookie 450cc season.
"I really like Kenny," Villopoto
says. "He's good, he's funny, and
he's 19. Not that I'm way older
than him, but I'm kind of way older than him in the sport..."
The biggest indicator of "age"
in the sport, from Villopoto's
perspective, seems to be enjoyment. He doesn't enjoy himself
on the bike much anymore.
"It's not just about his experience," Villopoto says. "Like, he
still enjoys to ride his bike. He's
Villopoto is piling on the wins and
championships but says he's not out
to break records.
doing whips for Instagram and all
that, and the last thing I'm doing
is sitting on the seat any more
than I have to! So, really, it's good
to have him around because I'm
kind of in that stage where I put
my work in and leave. It takes
the fun out of it. It's good to have
him around making things more
fun. And he's pretty funny off the
bike, too, so it's good having him
around."
Maybe, just maybe, Ken Roczen's contagious personality will
end up bringing the joy back to
racing for Ryan Villopoto. And if
he gets the smile back, no record
in the sport is safe.
CN
