Dungey has Made His 2023 Racing Decision and Tomac Answers if This is the Best Eli We've Ever Seen

Magoofan
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9/4/2022 11:41am
Go to his wife's instagram and see her post about his comeback, right when it was first announced. She was NOT on board, and really sort...
Go to his wife's instagram and see her post about his comeback, right when it was first announced. She was NOT on board, and really sort of threw him under the bus in the caption. His interview now, at the end of the season, cites family and the commitment/time away and how it doesn't work. I think everyone is speculating for no reason here, he had his time racing and now his family is not cool with it anymore. That was pretty clear.
Happy wife....happy life. Wink

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kpiper
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9/4/2022 11:46am
Cygrace74 wrote:
Something happened with negotiations. Last week he told Matthes I’d like to be back SX and outdoors next year and is looking for a good bike...
Something happened with negotiations. Last week he told Matthes I’d like to be back SX and outdoors next year and is looking for a good bike. This week he says he scratched the itch and is all set. Either him not getting a podium turned him off or he couldn’t get a ride and is trying to play it off
It could be the crashes combined with KTM saying no...again. Find another ride Dungey! Bring it back next year and you will podium and maybe win a race(s). The fans want you back even though KTM doesn't.
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MXR
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9/4/2022 12:03pm
Thank you Mr Dungey . One of the all time greats . The sport was lucky to have you back this year .
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9/4/2022 12:13pm
Doesn’t sound like Dungey enjoyed being a 5th place guy. That being said, he was KtM’s best rider this year. And their efforts would have been somewhat embarrassing without him
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The Shop

RonSkj
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9/4/2022 12:16pm
dungey isnt a threat to win, thats why. he did goood for coming out of retirement but hes not going to win. i think he should...
dungey isnt a threat to win, thats why.

he did goood for coming out of retirement but hes not going to win.

i think he should show up on a privateer bike for millville
There are about 35 of the 40 that make the show at every race that are not a threat to win and all but one won't. Dungey sell's tickets, bikes and merch. One of the best spokesman this sport has. I wouldn't think he has to win to be of value.
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9/4/2022 12:25pm
I'm grateful that I made the decision attend Budds Creek a few weeks ago. I got to meet Dunge, Cairoli, DeCoster, O'Show, Bubba, and Tomac. Might not ever be able to say that again.
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TXDirt
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9/4/2022 12:28pm
SX_336 wrote:
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier...
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier and more laid back.” When asked if Dungey could race for KTM in 2023, he said no, he could come back as a test rider, but not as a racer. I found it really odd. It was ALMOST like he didn’t want Dungey there. I remember he begged Dungey not to retire and now it’s different. Very strange vibe he gave off.
Magoofan wrote:
Decoster is all about business. Emotion doesn't come into play. That's not a slam....just the way it is.
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
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9/4/2022 12:36pm
TXDirt wrote:
All about business huh? Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors. Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or...
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
From my understanding, Dungey and Cairoli were wanted at the tent, but they were expected to perform at the absolute highest level for little to no compensation. At a certain point, when you start taking the risk required to Run a sexton pace, you expect to be compensated a bit for that risk. There’s never going to be a point in taking high risk without any reward
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Magoofan
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9/4/2022 12:51pm
SX_336 wrote:
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier...
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier and more laid back.” When asked if Dungey could race for KTM in 2023, he said no, he could come back as a test rider, but not as a racer. I found it really odd. It was ALMOST like he didn’t want Dungey there. I remember he begged Dungey not to retire and now it’s different. Very strange vibe he gave off.
Magoofan wrote:
Decoster is all about business. Emotion doesn't come into play. That's not a slam....just the way it is.
TXDirt wrote:
All about business huh? Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors. Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or...
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
THought my stance was pretty clear. Personally, I think it was bad to not bring Dunge back if he was willing to do so.

Dunge and Cairoli were the best options for them with Webb and Marv out this season. Plessinger has been a bust...truth is, I like AP and I'm sure people get their panties in a wad when I say that.

My comment about "business" stands. Dunge and Cairoli are no longer "top" guys....as much as we love them and want them to be.
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yak651
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9/4/2022 1:10pm
Magoofan wrote:
Decoster is all about business. Emotion doesn't come into play. That's not a slam....just the way it is.
TXDirt wrote:
All about business huh? Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors. Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or...
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
Magoofan wrote:
THought my stance was pretty clear. Personally, I think it was bad to not bring Dunge back if he was willing to do so. Dunge and...
THought my stance was pretty clear. Personally, I think it was bad to not bring Dunge back if he was willing to do so.

Dunge and Cairoli were the best options for them with Webb and Marv out this season. Plessinger has been a bust...truth is, I like AP and I'm sure people get their panties in a wad when I say that.

My comment about "business" stands. Dunge and Cairoli are no longer "top" guys....as much as we love them and want them to be.
Yet they were the top placing KTM riders at a majority of the events. Face it, KTM 250 program is a shit show and the 450 program isn’t much better. May be time to think about changing things up…
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8tensolutions
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9/4/2022 1:17pm
I just watched the IG video with DeCoster and he was not bitter at all. He gave RD props for the results for the year and when asked about next year he said RD would for sure be doing something with the Team, but likely not racing. I don't know what some of you guys heard, but you need to listen better apparently.

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9/4/2022 1:18pm
SX_336 wrote:
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/04/567016/s1200_A73BC40E_B987_4BBB_90FA_06FBD04C1C4D.jpg[/img]
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph.




Yeah, I read past the first paragraph.

I have been with my wife for almost a decade.

If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over here overwhelmed and anxious with 2 newborn children, but please go race your dirtbike because youre bored and talented!" I would know I absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely fucked up.
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SX_336
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9/4/2022 1:22pm Edited Date/Time 9/4/2022 1:28pm
SX_336 wrote:
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier...
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier and more laid back.” When asked if Dungey could race for KTM in 2023, he said no, he could come back as a test rider, but not as a racer. I found it really odd. It was ALMOST like he didn’t want Dungey there. I remember he begged Dungey not to retire and now it’s different. Very strange vibe he gave off.
Magoofan wrote:
Decoster is all about business. Emotion doesn't come into play. That's not a slam....just the way it is.
TXDirt wrote:
All about business huh? Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors. Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or...
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
If you took a poll on the current KTM roster and Dungey would poll more votes than any of them. That includes Webb.

Think of all the guys we have seen on a Factory KTM this season. AP7 is the only one that did SX and MX. Everyone else did one or the other. I guess they should have brought Chad in for 1 or 2 rounds.
1
chasetwo79
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9/4/2022 1:50pm
Magoofan wrote:
Decoster is all about business. Emotion doesn't come into play. That's not a slam....just the way it is.
TXDirt wrote:
All about business huh? Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors. Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or...
All about business huh?

Dungey and AC222 were the top KTM riders outdoors.

Dungey isn’t coming back. Or isn’t wanted back. AC222 didn’t come back or wasn’t wanted back.

Not sure those are good business decisions by Decoster or whoever runs things.
SX_336 wrote:
If you took a poll on the current KTM roster and Dungey would poll more votes than any of them. That includes Webb. Think of all...
If you took a poll on the current KTM roster and Dungey would poll more votes than any of them. That includes Webb.

Think of all the guys we have seen on a Factory KTM this season. AP7 is the only one that did SX and MX. Everyone else did one or the other. I guess they should have brought Chad in for 1 or 2 rounds.
AP didn’t have a steady season but he did hit the podium in both SX and MX. I don’t think he ever had 3 podiums in a 450 season previously.
1
SX_336
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9/4/2022 2:21pm Edited Date/Time 9/4/2022 2:22pm
SX_336 wrote:
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/04/567016/s1200_A73BC40E_B987_4BBB_90FA_06FBD04C1C4D.jpg[/img]
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph.




Yeah, I read past the first paragraph. I have been with my wife for almost a decade. If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over...
Yeah, I read past the first paragraph.

I have been with my wife for almost a decade.

If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over here overwhelmed and anxious with 2 newborn children, but please go race your dirtbike because youre bored and talented!" I would know I absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely fucked up.
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is a difference in having an equal partner and having to cower down to one. If you have to cower down to your wife, then YOU fucked up. Mine would never tell me not to do something I’m passionate about. Especially if I made money at it.
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5
9/4/2022 3:33pm
SX_336 wrote:
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/04/567016/s1200_A73BC40E_B987_4BBB_90FA_06FBD04C1C4D.jpg[/img]
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph.




Yeah, I read past the first paragraph. I have been with my wife for almost a decade. If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over...
Yeah, I read past the first paragraph.

I have been with my wife for almost a decade.

If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over here overwhelmed and anxious with 2 newborn children, but please go race your dirtbike because youre bored and talented!" I would know I absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely fucked up.
SX_336 wrote:
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is...
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is a difference in having an equal partner and having to cower down to one. If you have to cower down to your wife, then YOU fucked up. Mine would never tell me not to do something I’m passionate about. Especially if I made money at it.
Yes, and no.
If there is a young family involved and a very risky sport, sometimes common sense should prevail.
It's not like they needed the money, however much that may have been.
Good on her, and him, it's done and dusted.
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2
9/4/2022 5:10pm
It was an absolute pleasure to see Ryan back this year - I think just about every MX fan in every part of the world was...
It was an absolute pleasure to see Ryan back this year - I think just about every MX fan in every part of the world was cheering for him. He didn't do bad either, in fact it's pretty astonishing how good he was considering being away for 5 yrs. Highpoint especially was amazing. Catching and passing the heavy hitters in that 2nd moto like he hadn't been away at all. Looked strong in the early part of of Washougal too before his bike blew. Glad he's getting out (again) healthy though.
Definitely was a pleasure for an older rider's sake and a heartbreak at Washougal. Man he would have been beaming a huge smile had he made the box. KTM has really been odd with their riders and contracts/bonuses/money of late. Like Suzuki odd. Guess MotoGP has really drained the purse and Bajaj has had enough tipping money in the hole?
Markee
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9/4/2022 5:35pm
RD is a savage
2
ando
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9/4/2022 5:37pm
SX_336 wrote:
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/04/567016/s1200_A73BC40E_B987_4BBB_90FA_06FBD04C1C4D.jpg[/img]
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph.




Yeah, I read past the first paragraph. I have been with my wife for almost a decade. If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over...
Yeah, I read past the first paragraph.

I have been with my wife for almost a decade.

If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over here overwhelmed and anxious with 2 newborn children, but please go race your dirtbike because youre bored and talented!" I would know I absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely fucked up.
SX_336 wrote:
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is...
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is a difference in having an equal partner and having to cower down to one. If you have to cower down to your wife, then YOU fucked up. Mine would never tell me not to do something I’m passionate about. Especially if I made money at it.
Is that cause you’re an alpha male and all?
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2
9/4/2022 6:53pm
I'm grateful that I made the decision attend Budds Creek a few weeks ago. I got to meet Dunge, Cairoli, DeCoster, O'Show, Bubba, and Tomac. Might...
I'm grateful that I made the decision attend Budds Creek a few weeks ago. I got to meet Dunge, Cairoli, DeCoster, O'Show, Bubba, and Tomac. Might not ever be able to say that again.
Thinking that also about Ironman.
OleTex
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9/4/2022 7:04pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
So who takes Dungey's spot outdoors next year if Webb opts out again?
Now that is a good question. $exton? Persistent rumor.
1
Hcallz5
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9/4/2022 7:08pm
This season the two guys out front were basically sprinting for 30+2 which is insane. Sad to see RD hang it up again, he's super humble and talented.

That being said I always liked RD's podium speeches. I'd love to hear him in the booth.
9/4/2022 7:09pm
RonSkj wrote:
There are about 35 of the 40 that make the show at every race that are not a threat to win and all but one won't...
There are about 35 of the 40 that make the show at every race that are not a threat to win and all but one won't. Dungey sell's tickets, bikes and merch. One of the best spokesman this sport has. I wouldn't think he has to win to be of value.
95% of those guys are not on factory ktm bikes, buddy.

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Phillip_Lamb
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9/4/2022 8:11pm
SX_336 wrote:
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier...
Just saw the short interview with Decoster. He was asked what it was like to have Dungey back and he said “It was a lot easier and more laid back.” When asked if Dungey could race for KTM in 2023, he said no, he could come back as a test rider, but not as a racer. I found it really odd. It was ALMOST like he didn’t want Dungey there. I remember he begged Dungey not to retire and now it’s different. Very strange vibe he gave off.
i imagine on the business side, it worked this year with Cooper not racing outside. but the team is also adding Vialle and resigned Musquin for Sx. to me it seems the budget is tapped out and for this to continue KTM expected some podiums from Dunge
9/4/2022 8:36pm
So some dudes are tryin to say dungeys old lady with 2 young children wasn’t pissed about him taking off and racing for the summer? It’s Laughable.
2
9/4/2022 9:05pm
ATKpilot99 wrote:
What are they going to do for a celebration like at the end of Eli's video after e-bikes take over ? Have the sound of a...
What are they going to do for a celebration like at the end of Eli's video after e-bikes take over ? Have the sound of a real engine blaring out of the p.a. while they're twisting the throttle ?
Will be a little less CO2 in the atmosphere and a lot less obnoxious noise in the pits
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9/4/2022 9:23pm
Magoofan wrote:
Agreed. ...when ebikes take over, I'm out. Might as well be watching drone racing. The sport will have deviated too far from what it was. Sport...
Agreed.


...when ebikes take over, I'm out. Might as well be watching drone racing. The sport will have deviated too far from what it was.

Sport isn't nearly as exciting with 4-strokes to begin with.


As for Eli. Imagine what levels he could have risen to had Star been in charge of racing and Eli was on Yamaha earlier in his career. His Yamaha tour makes his Kawi tour look almost sad. He was uptight, not having fun, never happy and he was a bit of a head-case. Totally different guy this year. Made me a fan of him.



I agree with everything you said. Especially the ebikes and 4 stroke parts, it actually took skill to ride a 2 stroke fast, then came the point and shoot 4 strokes, and now electric bikes? I'm with you I'm out when the ebikes takeover. At least I'll still have the NFL, they can make stupid rules but can't drastically change the sport like Moto has/is. Now that I said that the NFL is going to go flags instead of tackling.
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Sandusky26
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9/5/2022 4:33am
I agree with everything you said. Especially the ebikes and 4 stroke parts, it actually took skill to ride a 2 stroke fast, then came the...
I agree with everything you said. Especially the ebikes and 4 stroke parts, it actually took skill to ride a 2 stroke fast, then came the point and shoot 4 strokes, and now electric bikes? I'm with you I'm out when the ebikes takeover. At least I'll still have the NFL, they can make stupid rules but can't drastically change the sport like Moto has/is. Now that I said that the NFL is going to go flags instead of tackling.
If you know how to ride a 4 stroke, you would know it’s not a point and shoot bike. The 90’s are over and so is dragging the rear brake and sliding into corners.
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davis224
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9/5/2022 6:07am
SX_336 wrote:
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/04/567016/s1200_A73BC40E_B987_4BBB_90FA_06FBD04C1C4D.jpg[/img]
That’s not it. She’s fine! If she was THAT pissed he wouldn’t have done it in the first place. Read PAST the 1st paragraph.




Yeah, I read past the first paragraph. I have been with my wife for almost a decade. If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over...
Yeah, I read past the first paragraph.

I have been with my wife for almost a decade.

If she wrote on Instagram "Sure, i'm just over here overwhelmed and anxious with 2 newborn children, but please go race your dirtbike because youre bored and talented!" I would know I absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely fucked up.
SX_336 wrote:
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is...
It’s not your profession. It is his. She knew what he did when she met him. If she didn’t like it, that’s on her. There is a difference in having an equal partner and having to cower down to one. If you have to cower down to your wife, then YOU fucked up. Mine would never tell me not to do something I’m passionate about. Especially if I made money at it.
You'd have a point, but I think having kids changes that. He chose to start a family same as her.
Corey_Tallent
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Douglasville, GA US
9/5/2022 11:00am
Ryan D. is one of the rare humans in the world where on a piece of paper, he belongs to his wife, children and family and yes that is true, however, for all of the right reasons, he belongs to a much bigger world. He isnt a cocky, son of a b**** actor, sports star or movie star or anything remotely like that. He is the antithesis to all that is wrong with the sports world.

I would hope that Lindsey didnt hold it against Ryan for coming back. He is a direct inspiration that we can see, touch and listen to that can make us all desire to be better versions of ourselves and in a world of thieving misguiding/misguided preachers and politicians and cocky S.O.B.s, Ryan has stayed the same classy, involved and humble spirit.

I will definitely miss him, again in this sport.
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