But it's not just Micks ability to withstand pain that makes him such an all time great. Many riders have tried unsuccessfully to knock him from the top slot, names like Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Alex Criville and Max Biaggi to name but a few.
As one of the last hardcore riders, Mick had an innate abilty to make the fearsome NSR500 look like a childs toy as he tamed the vicious 195bhp two stroke. Whenever other riders were daring enough to challenge him, he would put them under so much pressure that they would eventually fold. Whether it was pushing them to make a mistake or making them back off and lose thier nerve.
Many of you will remember the fantastic battles with Alex Criville in 1996 - 97. But Alex just didn't have the right stuff to beat Mick, the only chance he had of becoming champion was last year (1999) when Doohan retired after a major crash caused by the slippery white lines in Jerez.
In my opinion, GP500 racing will not be the same without Mick giving them stick. If it wasn't for his unfortunate 120mph crash into the sign in Spain, he would have clenched his sixth consecutive title ahead of Criville, Roberts and the rest of the pack.
Good onya Mick!!!
Alex Criville Web Site
Max Biaggi Web Site
Carlos Checa Web Site
Kenny Roberts Team Pages
Moto Grand Prix Online
Suzuki Racing
Neil Hodgson's Web Site
Valentino Rossi's Web Site
