Is Adam Cianciarulo the most confident rider in mx?
“I’m confident in myself. I know I can do it. I know I can win. I could go out there and I could win every race.”
These are the words from probably the most confident (cocky?) man in motocross, Adam Cianciarulo. During an insightful interview with Vurbmoto, Cianciarulo once again stated his belief in his ability to win as he prepares for the 2016 season despite a rough couple of seasons in the pro ranks.
Cianciarulo was hailed as the next big thing when he turned pro at 16 years old. He was supposed to have won titles by now just like RC, Stewart and RV did on their green machines. But it hasn’t happened.
And now the next big team green talent, Austin Forkner, will make his pro debut in the 250 Nationals in 2016 and Cianciarulo will no longer be the youngster on the team.
To add to the frustration Cooper Webb, Cianciarulo’s bitter amateur rival has trumped him in the pros, winning a sx title, outdoor national races and gaining a place at the MXON.
The pressure is well and truly on for Cianciarulo in 2016 to not only prove his worth, but also stay healthy. He’s been with Aldon Baker since he was 14 and riding on the Kawasaki sx track since he was on an 85. He has all the tools and more to be successful.
Consequently he’s had the hype but a lack of expected success, not helped by a catalogue of injuries, has derailed each season so far, but Adam still thinks he can come back and win every race he enters! While others fear he could be another Robbie Reynard (injuries blighting an expected title winning talent), Adam still sees himself as the next Ryan Villopoto!
That is some supreme self – belief, and while it will annoy his rivals, it might just be his biggest strength going into the most important season of his career.
GP hero Marnicq Bervoets commented that the difference he learnt between himself and former teammate Greg Albertyn was confidence, and that Albertyn’s was, ‘almost delusional.’
In the end of their careers Bervoets finished second in the world championship four times while Albertyn won three world titles and a US national championship.
That delusional confidence might just be the difference between winning and losing but Albertyn backed up his self – belief with titles. Cianciarulo hasn’t got any, yet he comes across as confident as Roczen and cockier than Cairoli, Dungey, Febvre and Tomac put together, but fortunately for Adam his outgoing personality means he has the charm and charisma to pull it off!
Right now Adam’s claims aren’t almost delusional, they are totally delusional and he has to start backing it up. But don’t be surprised if he does because being mentally strong can win you championships that talent alone can’t take you too.
Adam’s biggest natural talent is not his riding ability. He isn’t quite as talented as Stewart, RV, Herlings or Roczen but he has the mental game sorted and this is his biggest strength as he looks to rebound yet again from another injury.
Let’s see if the kid who has had it all, can finally win it all, in 2016.
Article and photo: Jonathan McCready
