Ryan Villopoto and Ricky Carmichael have weighed in on the latest clash with Cooper Webb and Jorge Prado in their latest Title 24 podcast.
RV said: “There’s no dirty riding there, in my opinion. Coop was trying to come up the inside of him, ran out of real estate and clips him on, you know, something on his bike and it almost put them both down. But look, Jorge is a tough dude to pass and a very intelligent rider. He shouldn’t lay down just because Coop is in a championship fight. He’s trying to make a name for himself. He’s trying to put himself as far up inthe roster list at the end of the main event as he can. I think coop should have been a little bit smarter or, or bide his time a little bit more.
RC said: “I don’t agree with racing behind you. I’m putting my racing helmet on and like, I couldn’t stand dudes that race behind them. It was supremely annoying because if you’re going to race behind you and you’re just fast enough to block and, and again, like you said, I mean, Jorge is a very intelligent rider. He’s really good at racing behind him. But it’s a real pain in the ass when dudes ride like that when you’re trying to get to the front. But like Jorge said, also giving him credit, you know, you have to be fast enough and, or be faster to get around them quicker. So yeah, I don’t agree with it, but I also understand it. I know there’s some dudes in the paddock that are pretty bummed with how he’s racing.
RV added: “They’re not used to it. They don’t like that he’s coming over and just showing them kind of how to do it because the dude’s technique, he’s very technically sound on the motorcycle and rides supercross very, very well. And, I think give Jorge two years, you know, you might see that dude racing for wins.
“Just like when I went to the year to the Euro side,, they don’t like an American coming over there and kind of, you know, showing them how it’s done or, you know, vice versa over here. I was able to get one win over there. So I was lucky enough for that, but it was a short stint, but like I said, they’re there, this is their soil. And yeah, they might not be stoked with it.
RC then added: “I thought that he (Prado) was pushing the etiquette lines of, I mean, maybe he’s put a foot over it. Just for the situation, I think I’m with you. Don’t pull over and let the dudes by, but I do think he affected the outcome of the finishes. I really do.” Before saying, “That guy’s done a hell of a job. He threw his cards on the table and basically said, give me the KTM and I’ll show you and he’s done it. So kudos to him on that side for sure.“
Watch the full debate below, with the Prado segment ten minutes in:
