Originally Posted by NinjaMaster
Being an Australian hasn't blinded anyone's views in my opinion (as an Aussie). Sure we will support the Aussie riders more but have no problem recognising who are the top riders. For me, Rossi is still a top rider, no one can argue with that. However, whether or not he is the top rider anymore will be sorted out over the next few years. With the way Casey performed this year gives me a lot of reason to believe he could have beaten Vale on equal machinery. Remember that Casey has dominated with more than twice the race wins of anyone else this year, he hasn't just squeaked in because a few results went his way. Then there are the likes of Pedrosa, Dovizioso and Lorenzo coming through as well. Just because Rossi has been the best in the past doesn't mean he will always be.
Also, what really annoys me is the 'Rossi is the greatest ever rider' tag. According to who? Perhaps someone who has been following motorcycle Grand Prix racing since 1949 could answer but even then I don't think so. Rossi is the greatest of his era but I can't see how it can be said he is better than Agostini, Hailwood, Lawson or even Doohan. At the end of the day, all are legends.
Finally, for what it's worth, I do still consider Rossi to be the competitions yardstick but think the chasing pack are closing fast. And I believe this despite being very much not a fan of his anymore.