I remember seeing a video of RC training . It was so intense it was almost scary . I'm not trying to take away from his legacy but I believe there were some racers from way back that were into training before RC was born . Broc Glover , David Bailey , and Jeff Ward come to mind , so it wasn't all booze , broads , and broken rental cars . There were also tales of how rigorously some of the Europeans ( some even from communist countries ) trained way back when they kicked our butts routinely .
I've always thought that raw riding talent was a God given gift . Not saying that hard work and practice do not develop talent/skills , but don't we all know a racer or two who can be off a bike for literally years , borrow a bike , and wax about everybody ? I've seen AHRMA racer s in their 70's and 80's ( One who was World champion the year I was born ! ) who are still smooth and fast to this day and can outpace much " younger " riders .
It would be great to somehow take past champions and phenoms , in their primes , from all eras of the sport, and have them race head to head . It can't happen but it is fun to contemplate the outcome . We all have our favorites .