Official: Ryan Villopoto Announces His Retirement!

NV825
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NV825 7/9/2015 10:17am
7/9/2015 10:17am Edited Date/Time 7/9/2015 10:17am
The first time I ever saw RV race was at Mammoth on a YZ85 against Mike Alessi. Crazy to look back through his career and all the great battles he had with Alessi, Townley, Dungey, etc. and not to mention his epic MXDN rides. My hats off to one of the most dominant riders on this planet of this era.

I have a feeling we won't be seeing him involved in the industry like RC and MC. I think that will get in the way of his hunting, fishing and living a normal life.
500guy
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500guy 7/9/2015 10:18am
7/9/2015 10:18am
500guy wrote:
Can someone post RV's letter ? I read the PR but not the good by letter.

Glory wrote:
Farewell. It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing today. As many of you...
Farewell.

It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing today.

As many of you know, I experienced a pretty horrendous crash back in April that left me with multiple fractures in my tailbone along with soft tissue damage. My initial thought was that I could be back riding in a few weeks if I just stayed quiet for a while. That has not proven to be the case. Follow-up X-Rays have made clear that I also suffered severe compression of multiple disks in my lower back. I am still in significant discomfort and I realize that even if I start my fitness program and training now that I been cleared by my physician, I will not be able, prior to the end of the MXGP season, to achieve the fitness necessary for me to compete at the level I have always striven for.

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to do something I have loved since I was a kid and turn it into my livelihood. I am grateful for the support of my family for all the years they spent hauling my bikes and me around to races, interrupting their lives in the process.

I am grateful for the support of my many sponsors through the years. What people don’t often think about, when it comes to individual “action” sports like motocross, is that we rely on sponsors to compete. In motocross, the sponsors aren’t just a name on your jersey – they are part of your racing team. If they are good, they are sponsors in the truest sense of the word. They are involved in building the best bike, putting together the best team, supporting your training, and so much more. So, with that in mind, first and foremost I want to thank Kawasaki, which has been my bike of choice since my Team Green days. They have been with me through ups and downs, serious injuries and great successes. They’ve always cared about me and I’ve been successful in large part because of it. THOR/Parts Unlimited and Monster Energy Company have been with me through it all as well. Thanks also to DC, GoPro, Oakley, Alpinestars, Atlas and Mobius Braces. Each of you has been an integral part of making this an amazing career.

I want to thank my long-time agent, my friend, Bobby Nichols, and his agency The Sports Syndicate, for the strong guidance and support they have offered my entire career.

But most of all, I’m writing this retirement note to my fans. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of fans, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. It is amazing to know that you have cared so much and been so supportive along the way.

That gets me to the sadness about making this decision now. I was so stoked to make the decision to be a part of MXGP racing. It has always been important to me to ride my best and to be in the best possible position to give my best, in part because of wanting to give back to you, the fans. I am sad that this year did not work out the way I had hoped in that regard. I wanted to be at my best, to compete with these riders who are among the very best in the world and leave it all out on the track as each of them does every race. The sadness is that I only got to do that for a few races.

I am grateful to have had the chance to race with the very best in world, my competitors in Supercross and Motocross in the States as well as those who make the MXGP what it is. I am grateful to know that our competitiveness helped to continue the growth of our sport.

I leave with no regrets. I have been blessed to experience so much of life through my racing. I have never wanted to disappoint my fans nor my supporters and my hope is that for the most part I have lived up to that.

Again, thanks to each and every one of you who have been a part of my team.

Sincerely,

Ryan Villopoto
Thank You =)
Lefty
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Lefty 7/9/2015 10:22am
7/9/2015 10:22am
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished so much by the age of 27 is astounding. If he applies the same work ethic to his future endeavors, I have no doubt he'll continue to be successful.

Though it bothers me none, I did happen to notice a thank you to the fans was missing. Such an omission from a champion and legend of his caliber is certainly a rarity these days. It makes me wonder if it was by accident or by design. Fwiw, I'm a fan and feel he has zero obligation to thank me.

Oh well, I'm fortunate to have been around to see him do what he did. Hard work.
Mit12
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Mit12 7/9/2015 10:27am
7/9/2015 10:27am
ocscottie wrote:
[img]https://gallery.mailchimp.com/aaa5785a89045d675b265966d/images/d2b7a44e-db5d-4fff-8bb0-410273fcb308.jpg[/img]
Titan1 wrote:
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that...
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that outdoors...
RV missed 3 outdoor seasons due to injury. I believe he only competed in 2- 450 national series.

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Hut
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Hut 7/9/2015 10:28am
7/9/2015 10:28am
Congrats to RV on a legendary career. Good for him!
He is a real man's man and I wish him a very enjoyable retirement. I still have about 750 more work weeks to go then they kiss my ass.
SPYGUY
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SPYGUY 7/9/2015 10:40am
7/9/2015 10:40am
Uncleof2 wrote:
How's that 5th place guy that RV2 was beating doing? He wouldn't have been in 4th at the end if he didn't get injured. 9 time...
How's that 5th place guy that RV2 was beating doing? He wouldn't have been in 4th at the end if he didn't get injured. 9 time US Champion, MXDN Team Champion every year he participated should be enough to seal his place in MX/SX history. I am looking forward to his retirement and so is all his family, he is dedicated to family more than anything. Great career RV2.
Never in his career did RV need to rely on riders getting injured to increase his finishing position. For you guys to use that line of reasoning to try to proclaim that his season was going to plan is marginalizing how fierce of a competitor he was when he was on top of his game.

RV was the baddest of the bad and without a doubt one of the greatest this sport has ever seen I have nothing but respect for his abilities and what he accomplished. I still believe that he is/was better, stronger and faster than any rider in the world, but unfortunately the results on paper from this season just don't back my belief up.

IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 7/9/2015 10:45am
7/9/2015 10:45am
Lefty wrote:
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished...
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished so much by the age of 27 is astounding. If he applies the same work ethic to his future endeavors, I have no doubt he'll continue to be successful.

Though it bothers me none, I did happen to notice a thank you to the fans was missing. Such an omission from a champion and legend of his caliber is certainly a rarity these days. It makes me wonder if it was by accident or by design. Fwiw, I'm a fan and feel he has zero obligation to thank me.

Oh well, I'm fortunate to have been around to see him do what he did. Hard work.
Re-Read his post.

But most of all, I’m writing this retirement note to my fans. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of fans, not only in the U.S., but throughout the world. It is amazing to know that you have cared so much and been so supportive along the way.
Motocross83 7/9/2015 10:45am
7/9/2015 10:45am
Congrats to Ryan on what has been a fantastic career, and all the best to his future.

Those early GP races were some of the most anticipated and exciting that we've had in quite some time.
indy_maico
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indy_maico 7/9/2015 10:45am
7/9/2015 10:45am
Hate to see him go. All the best to him! No doubt one of the best ever.
SPYGUY
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SPYGUY 7/9/2015 10:45am
7/9/2015 10:45am
Titan1 wrote:
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that...
Am I the only one that is surprised he only has 12 450 MX wins? It just seems like he won way more races than that outdoors...
No doubt he would have earned a boatload more outdoor wins had he not have so many knee injuries.

Was just checking out has stats and saw that he only finished off of the overall podium twice in his 450 MX career. One of those times being Hangtown 2009 in which he was riding with a badly injured knee that ultimately took him out of the season.

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dsmith 7/9/2015 10:52am
7/9/2015 10:52am
Paul333
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Paul333 7/9/2015 10:55am
7/9/2015 10:55am
Congratulations to one of the finest racers in the history of SX/MX. He has had a historic career by any measure.

May he have a great time retired, he has earned it.

After being enticed by huge money to hold out for one more year after stating he wanted to retire an injury cut this year short. It’s too bad it didn’t work out. That said even a burnt out wanting to retire Villo was still able to win a GP and run with the top MX1 riders. Even in a completely new system. That says a lot about how great he really is. A Villo in his prime fired up and hungry would have mopped the floor with them. Rest assured of that.
aFACEdismembered 7/9/2015 11:18am
7/9/2015 11:18am
watson wrote:
His legacy isn't tainted. He had the balls to go race the GP's after being a multi-champion in the United States. He also won the second...
His legacy isn't tainted. He had the balls to go race the GP's after being a multi-champion in the United States. He also won the second GP he ever entered.

However, I really do wish he would have done one more year in the GP's. The examples of riders being able to ride at their full potential are few and far between (almost non-existent) in the first year transitioning to a new series. Full credit to the GP guys, though. It's quite apparent that the two series are very equal in speed.

Badass career, though. All the best to the dude in retirement!
He had the respect to fulfill a contract that he could not fulfill in the United States. He manned up, agreed to the terms of his deal and found a resolution that he probably never gave thought to beforehand. That doesn't take balls, it takes integrity.

I respect him for what he did, but like you I wish there would have been more than half a moto on the European continent.
IceMan446
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IceMan446 7/9/2015 11:20am
7/9/2015 11:20am
Glad he left on his own terms.

And for all the asshats complaining he didn't up date the fans, here is your wish.
RY4N37
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RY4N37 7/9/2015 11:28am
7/9/2015 11:28am
Was never really a fan of the guy but I will happily admit that he was a mighty fine rider. You can't argue with his achievements, and it's sad that he had to go out this way.

All the best RV, congrats on a superb career
philG
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philG 7/9/2015 11:32am
7/9/2015 11:32am
Lefty wrote:
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished...
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished so much by the age of 27 is astounding. If he applies the same work ethic to his future endeavors, I have no doubt he'll continue to be successful.

Though it bothers me none, I did happen to notice a thank you to the fans was missing. Such an omission from a champion and legend of his caliber is certainly a rarity these days. It makes me wonder if it was by accident or by design. Fwiw, I'm a fan and feel he has zero obligation to thank me.

Oh well, I'm fortunate to have been around to see him do what he did. Hard work.
have you been on the moon or something ?
Jamie_Munro 7/9/2015 11:39am
7/9/2015 11:39am
Tpog496 wrote:
In an effort to try and cancel out your disrespectful post I'll just leave this here. Tainted career? Hardly! He was the absolute fucking man for...
In an effort to try and cancel out your disrespectful post I'll just leave this here. Tainted career? Hardly! He was the absolute fucking man for many years and nobody will ever forget that.

VonSmallhausen wrote:
+1 could'nt agree more. Epic pic.
Superb shot, and the style he was known for, pinned, steaming corners to death with the rear wheel.

Legend in our time.

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imoto34
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imoto34 7/9/2015 11:42am
7/9/2015 11:42am
RV is the man. Hope to see him riding for fun on a Monster Energy Kx500
mx23
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mx23 7/9/2015 11:54am
7/9/2015 11:54am
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
SPYGUY wrote:
My guess is that we won't see much of Ryan Villopoto. I'm kinda saddened that after such a stellar career he'll go out with his legacy...
My guess is that we won't see much of Ryan Villopoto.

I'm kinda saddened that after such a stellar career he'll go out with his legacy tainted by the fact that he was pretty much a 4th place guy on the MXGP circuit.

I really had hoped that his pride wouldn't have allowed him to go out like this:



Oh well.
Totally agree
scrubbin627 7/9/2015 11:54am
7/9/2015 11:54am
Good for him. Congrats on a stellar career #2
bd
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bd 7/9/2015 12:05pm
7/9/2015 12:05pm
Moto_Geek wrote:
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity. If...
Hope he does industry stuff like Charmichael and McGrath. It still great for the fans to see them around the race track in some capacity.

If I had to guess, he has rookies knocking down his door to hire him as his dedicated coach. If I had money, that what I would do.

Any other guesses?
SPYGUY wrote:
My guess is that we won't see much of Ryan Villopoto. I'm kinda saddened that after such a stellar career he'll go out with his legacy...
My guess is that we won't see much of Ryan Villopoto.

I'm kinda saddened that after such a stellar career he'll go out with his legacy tainted by the fact that he was pretty much a 4th place guy on the MXGP circuit.

I really had hoped that his pride wouldn't have allowed him to go out like this:



Oh well.
Really!?!!?!?
bd
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bd 7/9/2015 12:10pm
7/9/2015 12:10pm Edited Date/Time 7/9/2015 12:24pm
RV truly did it "My Way." When I met him, he was open and happy to meet a fan. In my opinion, one of the greatest motocrossers of all time. Manifesting him and his family the best!

https://youtu.be/5AVOpNR2PIs
BobbyM
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BobbyM 7/9/2015 12:13pm
7/9/2015 12:13pm
greatest mxer? maybe.

one of the fastest men to ever ride a dirt bike? no fucking doubt about it.

nothing to regret and nothing to be ashamed about...the same can't be said for many an athlete in many different sports fields.

congrats RV.
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S.Loyer 7/9/2015 12:13pm
7/9/2015 12:13pm
We all knew it was and has coming....but now that the PR has came. I feel a little empty and sad.
thrillbillie91 7/9/2015 12:14pm
7/9/2015 12:14pm
Peace out rv2 shame we didn't get to see you more this year, you'll be missed! Congrats on a great career and keeping that bulldog style alive!
bd
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bd 7/9/2015 12:22pm
7/9/2015 12:22pm
BobbyM wrote:
greatest mxer? maybe. one of the fastest men to ever ride a dirt bike? no fucking doubt about it. nothing to regret and nothing to be...
greatest mxer? maybe.

one of the fastest men to ever ride a dirt bike? no fucking doubt about it.

nothing to regret and nothing to be ashamed about...the same can't be said for many an athlete in many different sports fields.

congrats RV.
Fuckin A and well said!
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dmac1 7/9/2015 12:22pm
7/9/2015 12:22pm
Lefty wrote:
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished...
Props to Ryan for retiring on his terms and not being pushed out by injuries or the effects of older (relatively speaking) age. To have accomplished so much by the age of 27 is astounding. If he applies the same work ethic to his future endeavors, I have no doubt he'll continue to be successful.

Though it bothers me none, I did happen to notice a thank you to the fans was missing. Such an omission from a champion and legend of his caliber is certainly a rarity these days. It makes me wonder if it was by accident or by design. Fwiw, I'm a fan and feel he has zero obligation to thank me.

Oh well, I'm fortunate to have been around to see him do what he did. Hard work.
He is retiring because of injury and he did thank the fans. He has compressed disks in his lower back which can be quite debilitating. Check out sciatica (I don't know if he has that, but it can result from compressed disks). Re-read his letter for your thank you.
Arkmx
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Arkmx 7/9/2015 12:27pm
7/9/2015 12:27pm
Two years and he will be at LL's in the +25 class!

Now he will catch up on his childhood / teenage years that he missed out on.

A hunting he will go, a hunting he will go....

Have FUN RV2..!
philG
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philG 7/9/2015 12:40pm
7/9/2015 12:40pm
RichardLoots wrote:
Recorded saturday night in Sweden, which is why all day Sunday Malin was going on about the release he had 'heard about'... Its not news , its just been made official.

We will see how the 'brand ambassador' bit pans out.

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