For the last couple of years, I have not had the time to keep up on SX. Finally, this year, I have been able to catch nearly every race. It is cool to see MC back in the upper portion of the pack. But what the hell happened to Tim Ferry? I mean, wasn't he pretty fast just a couple of years ago? And Vullimen, did he even finish the last race? I was out of it way too long!
TIm has been fighting injuries for the last few seasons. From what I hear he is finally healthy but it appears his speed left him during the healing process.
as for DV I think he is going the same speed but the pack got that much faster, he obviously had a bad night at san diego but he is barely top 10 speed these days it seems. This is the most talented field I remeber in both classes. It amazing the guys that are battling for transfer spots in the heats, A sure sign that the sport is getting bigger is that very few "average joe's" make the main thses days.
Ferry's is the same problem I think, while he was getting back to 2002 race speed eveyone stepped it up so much he can't compete. Mcgrath is only a few years out from winning these races and he seems amazed at the speed of RC and Stewart.
McGrath even said that he thinks he's as fast or faster than ever. The top guys have simply gotten faster. Stewart may even notch it up farther, a year or two more into his career, as he takes over from RC and really hits his stride. Going to be tough for Villopoto and Alessi et al. to catch him.