Posts
1958
Joined
7/21/2011
Location
Galesburg, IL
US
Edited Date/Time
2/22/2018 7:50am
“I’m obviously frustrated because I want to be further up there and on the podium, but tonight was the hardest-fought fifth I’ve ever had to work for. I think I rode a lot better than the result shows. I was also happy with how I managed the race, my energy, and effort. I came from seventh and had to battle with riders on the way up, then [Jason] Anderson was charging and we battled back and forth a bit until he got by. Then I went straight back to being pressured by [Cooper] Webb until the end. I laid it all out there, especially on that last lap because I knew Cooper was behind me and was going to try and stick a wheel in anywhere he could; I was just trying to ride defensive but still be fast. It was a hectic night of racing so I’m happy to get out of here uninjured. We did a lot of work to the bike this week, even though it’s risky because things are pretty different when you show up to the race versus the test track, but I was pretty confident in what we had found. I’m happy to take a step in the right direction. It feels validating that we made a good change, and I have a good direction to work in and fine-tune.”
Just read this quote from Cole and it seems so contradictory. Starts with how "frustrated" he is not to be on the podium but then goes directly into everything he was happy about from the race. I understand it is important to stay positive and look at the good, but dammm Daniel, show some freaking emotion and get fired up!!
Does Cole lack that killer instinct it takes to win races? It sure seems like it. Think about all of the greats and how absolutely pissed they would be anytime they missed a podium. You just don't see that mentality out of Cole (and most of the other riders right now) and honestly it is pretty aggravating that he doesn't get more fired up and hang it out there. He has the speed 100%, but there is always some excuse, some reason as to why he didn't get the win/podium but always happy with what he did on that night.
If you are a Honda boss, how do you change that mentality? How do you manage a rider that can always find things to be happy about when you know they should be on the podium consistently?
Just read this quote from Cole and it seems so contradictory. Starts with how "frustrated" he is not to be on the podium but then goes directly into everything he was happy about from the race. I understand it is important to stay positive and look at the good, but dammm Daniel, show some freaking emotion and get fired up!!
Does Cole lack that killer instinct it takes to win races? It sure seems like it. Think about all of the greats and how absolutely pissed they would be anytime they missed a podium. You just don't see that mentality out of Cole (and most of the other riders right now) and honestly it is pretty aggravating that he doesn't get more fired up and hang it out there. He has the speed 100%, but there is always some excuse, some reason as to why he didn't get the win/podium but always happy with what he did on that night.
If you are a Honda boss, how do you change that mentality? How do you manage a rider that can always find things to be happy about when you know they should be on the podium consistently?
The Shop
Now, Cole is no RD5 for sure. But, Cole is riding smart, staying healthy and playing a long game. May not work out, but if it does, the "killer instinct" is once again irrelevant.
I get the "playing it safe / riding smart" side of it but to do this you have to be landing on the podium nearly ever week... ask Dungey, he showed a phenomenal mix of riding aggressive enough to get results but smart enough not to over due it.
If he wants to beat someone like Anderson or Tomac he needs to assert his dominance. He needs to get a solid start and lay down perfect laps to get a gap on those guys. Once they catch him rather than bobbling and loosing a few seconds he needs to fire back. Take them right to the edge of the track to throw them off. Then throw down those perfect laps again.
I don't see Cole being a rider that can decide one night to dial up the speed and intensity. Without changing his bike setup and riding style he needs to be who he is.
A rider like Tomac and Anderson rides with pure aggression. The scary thing with Anderson is that his style is pretty damn fluid and versatile. He seems to make the best of any situation he gets into. That said, he does appear to be riding without consequence. Supercross seems to humble those that ride without consequence.
I really believe we have yet to see Anderson's bad night. Give him a few more races and it may not matter. His points lead is pretty insane. But I don't see him settling in for a 2nd if he gets out front and starts battling with Tomac.
Cole can holeshot a race and lead half of it and everything seems fine. He is such a smooth rider and very fast when he is able to put in lap after lap without any distractions. But there is an issue. He completely falls apart anytime he gets passed or makes a mistake. I don't think that i have ever seen him get passed and the actually retake that position and finish with that position.
We've seen it so many times. It has to be frustrating but that is his biggest weakness.
I like Cole, but point is you can't compare the two. They are nothing alike.
Not that it's a bad thing.
Pit Row
Seely only needs to believe it. He's one of the most skilled riders out there but he races like he doesn't believe he is good enough.
If he believes it and surpasses his mental weaknesses he can be a champion.
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