michaelm

We shall see I guess. I just don’t see it as long as his fracture fully heals, he was back riding a week or so later, unwisely in retrospect, but didn’t seem to be affected by any fears then.

I agree that Rossi was likely affected by that gruesome compound tibial fracture, although that ended up healing without complication and he won a race after his return later the same year, and Jorge was never the same in the rain after the second clavicle fracture. I myself see MM’s shoulder problems as more likely to be career limiting.

Bern1

I agree that the shoulder problems will be more of an issue. But the reason for the shoulder problems is the same reason as the other injuries: riding over the limit when there is no real reason. I understand he wants to intimidate the other riders. So did Doohan, Rainey, Roberts, etc. Crashing while you are trying to do that not only defeats the purpose, it actively hinders your ability to defeat them on the track as well of course.

When he arrived on the scene, it was suggested that he needed to rein in that behavior, race for points, etc. He managed to do it.....for a little while. Soon he was back to the old, original MM, where he has stayed. I think it is the chink in his armour, this inability to dial back a little. I can’t see how it won’t catch up with him.

I enjoy watching him do this stuff as much as anyone. It comes back to the fact that the real greats in general do not crash that much. I will admit that he is a real great in spite of the crashing, for sure he is a special talent.

Entropy is a universal law.

michaelm

Sure, eventually injuries will stop him, if he wants 9 premier class titles to pass Ago as well as Rossi he had best win the next 3 imo.

My point was that I don’t think the current injury is the one that will stop him, and nor do I think it will make him lose his edge. If it makes him ride a little more circumspectly and settle for position as he has done in the occasional past season when appropriate it would actually advantage him, but like you I wouldn’t count on this happening.

birdman

MM already won the championship with a shoulder that dislocated after a hug. How I have no idea, will it be a factor long term? Not really all the riders are suffering from one thing or another the difference is whether they have the skill, talent, determination to overcome it.