The Sebastien Tortelli vs. Ricky Carmichael rivalry is under rated! - Tortelli on his crazy battles

[@crazychad2720]

I watched this a second time just a huge fan of this guy growing up. He was auch a good racer and super nice off the track. I remember how long the autograph line was back in 2000ish and he was friendly and took every picture and signed every autograph he was asked of.......with a big smile. And when i saw him later in pits after autograph session he was laughing with his teammates and managers and smiling away......cant help but like the guy.

[@Ocean_619]

Only Euro I’ve ever actually rooted for and wanted to win! Definitely a Legend and doesn’t get the Love or recognition he deserves!!!

[@zacharyradford5552]

McGrath and RC cast a HUGE shadow at that time so many guys don’t get the recognition they should.

[@jcobra09]

That’s cool, man. I won’t root against our boys, but I like seeing the euros, and Shimoda do well. At some point I just started rooting for Joe because we didn’t have a front runner in 250’s this year. But, yeah, Tortelli is a rad guy. Super fast too

[@Ocean_619]

Just watched this again and still love him!! Was amazing to watch him race RC ! Literally the only Euro/anyone that really had anything close to or equal to RC skill and speed at the time!!

[@filipm8094]

I’ve heard story’s from when he did gps and wintertime he did like 4 45min motos on Lommel per day. Same lap time first lap as last… crazy

[@johnmalone2389]

He lied 🤥

[@filipm8094]

@@johnmalone2389 where are they?

[@DKeyesPhD]

Seb is the man. His battles with RC were all-fucking-time. Always loved watching him ride.

[@tigerarmy43]

Seb is my all-time favorite motocross rider. The battles between he and Ricky were awesome. Thanks so much for doing the interviews with him.

[@RYves-dd4ky]

You have also, brown, reynard and pastrana, beleive it or not, all these Guys wins enduro against carmichael and stewart, because of ruts, speed breakers...made carmichael and stewart keep there position more easily, if you see tortelli, brown or reynard... going ahead of stewart and carmichael It's because the tracks are more open for any trajectories, but not every track allow them to pass, I think the real deal to see them fight more, is to clean the tracks from ruts...for every races or let them fight in enduro races

[@motomoto986]

Great interview, awesome dude!!!

[@dalehicks6112]

You get the most interesting people for your interviews. Well done!

[@siphomwemba]

Well spoken.. Seb was definitely awesome to watch racing!

[@danacarr731]

My son was lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with Seb before he made the move to Spain. Seb was dedicated to working with young riders and challenging them to be better. Awesome dude.

[@brams77]

Seen him at foxhills first on a kx 125. I have never seen anyone ride so fast. He was scary.

[@elasticsoldier0257]

Can you remember him missing out braking bumps by riding up a wall at the side of the track. Awesome line.

[@chrisvozza6530]

I used to always watch Tortelli back in the day. I still have old posters of him. He was very skilled on a motorcycle

[@TheBubbascrub]

I've waited years for tortelli side of things with RC, thanks for sharing 👊🏼

[@joshboshify]

I am a huge RC fan, but for some reason I always wanted Tortelli to come out on top when they battled. Seb was the only rider, outdoors, that could challenge RC. I think he made Ricky a better rider. I’ve always wondered how the 99 outdoor season would’ve panned out, had Tortelli not broken his wrist 🤔 That double win at Glen Helen was the most incredible display of MX riding I’ve ever seen.

[@budsteppin99]

Tortelli was fast as hell on that honda... that team was awesome lusk windham and tortelli plus michael pichon we were stacked that year.

[@floridamotocross7833]

@@budsteppin99 that's cool that you mentioned Mike. We ride weekly at his old training facility trying to bring new life into it. Evan ferry has been out there a lot recently and Mike still comes out to ride when he gets ready for red bull day in the dirt down south. He still flys to, wish he would make another run at it but he's a family man now

[@budsteppin99]

@@floridamotocross7833 yeah man he's a cool ass dude too I know tortelli still rides and he works at a factory too idk about Ezra and I also know Windham has an insane compound with some amazing tracks and big ass jumps he's a family man now too but he still tests for Honda as well. I got to see all of em race at budds creek numerous times and then they also held a usgp in 99 and Windham came out and just smoked everybody it was insane Stefan everts had nothing for him he had like a 30 second lead both motos dude I love Windham he's one of my favorite riders of all time right with ricky.

[@CoachRobbBeams]

I can't wait to listen to the entire show!!!

[@Kawiboy]

Is an amazing rider.. Always giving 100%👊.. Loved him at Red Bud 👍.. Those were some great years.. Appreciate this talent and dedication .. Thnx GYPSY 👍😉

[@Scandle68]

This guy always impressed me. So fast and aggressive.

[@supergremlin6261]

I remember the shop I was working for in Ocala FL where Seb was living got his Des Nations factory Honda in a crate. I think we were shipping it over seas. But I was always a fan from his LA Colosseum mudder win. If he didn’t get hurt in SX all the time before MX he would have won a lot more. But fuck he was fast outdoors!

[@mitchellkalina8191]

Tortelli was a great competitor. One of the few that could dice it up with Ricky outside.

[@normandbeaches3496]

A true motocrosser nothing more to be said

[@adamshears3198]

Seb is so gracious recounting his Honda bike . That is awesome . 👍

[@MotocrossMyPassionTV]

Great Sebastian , never forget 👍🏻🏁🏆👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jpmorgen5726]

It has been great to see his races in the GP's. In my opinion he didn't fit as well with the Americn tracks. Such a great, unusual style!

[@nicolaspel9775]

I recall Seb coming out to Bercy I believe in 2008 or 2009 and doing a fast lap with Mickael Pichon (exhibition mode, not to compete). Those two had unbelievable speed, and Seb was going through the Whoops like Chad Reed that same year. Raw speed wise, I believe probably one of the best to ever do it.

[@troydimsdale2331]

One of the few European riders I actually liked. He had fight in him, but not sure if he belongs in the same sentence as the GOAT! Many riders have talent, but few have the heart of a champion.

[@johnmalone2389]

Haha The GOAT is another level ! Everybody knows that ! Tortelli didn’t win a shit in USA 🇺🇸 facts

[@dylangreen507]

Doesn’t get the recognition he deserves from American media IMO. Legend

[@MichaelWoljevach]

Sebastien is my moms all time favorite rider. We used to go to Troy Ohio and watch the national and he got knocked out bad right in front of us. Im on the phone with her and she says that is her most terrifying moment in moto. That shit was insane! The track people had to take the bike from him he was sooo out of it dizzy. Took some time but he got on and started it. Tuff ass dude. No lie when he say he a fighter.

[@dkidwel]

Kenwoethys was amazing. What section

[@anthonymanfredijr6729]

69 points a head. Screaming Eagle

[@monchitoscalecrawling5035]

Thanks for the upload.

[@kw68]

I was at fox hills in 1996 when this dude was in oxbow kit and on a kawi!!! Everyone was looking in the program to see who he was…🔥🔥🔥

[@LeviathanResurrected]

RC was on Honda from 2002-2004.

[@Hoss-]

I just watched a moto from red bud where tortelli got the better of rc. The 2 of them battled, tortelli pulled away & was leading on last lap & ran out of gas rite before the finish line & the camera stayed on him as he struggled trying to get his bike up that little finish line table. I think he ended up going from a moto win to whatever place he had lapped up to.

[@Andy-co6pn]

RC's 125 championship battle with Ron Ron was a corker too

[@mikebrown41182]

I remember Sebastian coming back to europe in 06 to KTM. He was still the tortelli that twisted the throttle, not scared of Stefan, basically in everts farewell season - he gave it to him on a pretty lets say not so good Redbull KTM 450sxf, unfortunately Sebastian injured himself 1/3 in the season. I mean one could always say, you need to stay on two wheels to win, its true. But pure speed wise like lets say the race in flanders Seb beat Everts. I am not so sure Stefan would have won the last title (IF tortelli would have been able to be healthy that entire season) But yes ofc it is part of the sport and that plauged him alot in the end of his carrier. But back to the point, Seb had that aggresive RC style of racing, it was so interesting to see two different techniques Stefan always standing up and super smooth, to Sebs aggresive on the seat almost bullriding! Tbh albeit he did have injuries in america, i am sure that KTM bike at the time did not help him.

[@ryancarlisle4621]

RC moved to Honda in 2002, he won the outdoor in 2000, then in 2001 he won both outdoor and SX on the Kawi, he got his first perfect season (02) it was his first yr on the Honda!!!

[@FalseHope61]

Dude. Tortelli was a bad ass in his day. One of the few guys I watched hand it to Ricky Carmichael straight up.

[@slimsbaitco]

Definitely one of the most underrated riders of all time. Seb was a bulldog.

[@bagargui]

He may be underrated in the US but in Europe he’s considered as one of the best.

[@adam_allday9470]

I don’t want to say underrated, but Seb should be much more known than I feel like he is. He was one of the very few that could beat RC straight up

[@donbrashsux]

When Seb touched down in the USA he was the fastest rider on the planet

[@yamahakid450f]

Ricky proved that statement wrong outdoors and Seb was never very good in supercross

[@anewperspective247]

Seb was always my dark horse of hope.

[@randygross4342]

I ran his number 1 of my favorites.

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

2000 he would have been on the 2nd gen frame. 2002 when rc first rode honda that was the 3rd gen frame

[@Tmogangsta714]

I was at that coliseum race he only one because it was a mudder

[@jeffwixon1828]

Ricky went to Honda in 2002

[@shannonbrewer871]

I remember being at redbud in 2001 and this guy put on a clinic that day and ran out of gas on the last couple turns. I was so sick for this guy cause he rode his butt off that day

[@stringbender79rocks3]

I remember that race too. He straight up smoked everyone then ran out of gas...talk about bad luck!

[@michaelgrubbs1618]

Remember when David villaman thought you were French guy

[@kjmaury5116]

He wouldve won that ‘99 title if not for his injury at unadilla. No question

[@jonruger]

Not sure I’d call it a rivalry

[@michaelgrubbs1618]

I said it last night. To my knowledge only one Guy 2 Straight up pass RC is Sebastien tortelli. Wherever you fell short pal I am with you.

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

stewart never did? tallon vohland? reed (in sx)? windham?

[@michaelgrubbs1618]

@@powersportsenthusiast1986 Stewart and Reed definitely in Supercross. TV beat him but didn't pass him in outdoor. Wyndham the same. Passing and beating RC outdoor. I think the only one is Sebastian tortelli

[@jeffstuart4424]

@@michaelgrubbs1618 john Dowd did it a few times, Robbie raynard did it at Southwick, and Damon Huffman straight up smoked him at old troy Ohio. Very few did it though.

[@nk44_40]

Sebastein still rips, rode with him at glen helen and he’s still insanely fast

[@yamahakid450f]

*i saw him as he passed me every other lap at Glen Helen, hes still insanely fast* Fixed It for you.

[@nk44_40]

@@yamahakid450f how is that fixing it? You can easily read what I put in the first place

[@edwardharvey8568]

Only youngster that was quicker than Malin

[@pjsneeringer5942]

SebT was the man!

[@michaelgrubbs1618]

Sorry I meant Italian guy

[@clrcustom]

Carmichael = GOAT...Tortellini nowhere in his league.

[@splatmoto]

You guys think that Rickys Kawasaki was good in 2000 2001? Hardcore fans, A?

[@chrisgleis4297]

Tough ass dude

[@kelliebrooks9094]

Im only upset i routed fir a guy named TORTELLINI an hes not italian...i was so let down...no just kidding he was so humble an rode so hard he brung the A game everyday....all day nithing but admiration...even if hes not italian yeah yeah ok french sure....

[@chestermcgillicuddy4368]

Seb trained greater than many! Dick did the same but he had that pixy dust of pure naturally born ability. And he's an american on top of being ginger! So wrong the way that ended! lol

[@jordanonofer3886]

First thought comes to mind. Ricky Bobby and Jean Girard ! Lol

[@dhdyrjfmenrydka]

i dont think its underated, lets be honest there were very few close battles

[@Tmogangsta714]

OK you won me over yourr a good dude

[@Soldier_for_christ777]

02 changed the frame bro didn’t google it like you millennials lol

[@nickswaz]

Dude is cool. Almost as fast as BMayzee

[@Mad_Dad_MTB]

He would definitely beat Ricky in 2022 though🤣

[@yamahakid450f]

I've still seen ricky lay down some serious heaters, and he's lost weight since then. He's definitely not in racing shape, but I doubt Seb is currently ready to go out and battle for 30+2 either.

[@farquadmantis8486]

@@yamahakid450f Would love to see all the early 00s guys race again in their own event. Would sell out i'd imagine. Someone needs to get Bubba out there too

[@Tmogangsta714]

The only reason dude was because you weren't on his level

[@TheShepdawg9]

He certainly was. You watched the races, right?

[@johnmalone2389]

Tortelli always lied, he complained at Honda because he said that they gave RC better bikes and he ended his career suing the FIM, he is not respected in the USA or Europe

[@bagargui]

He is well respected in the US by the people in the industry. Of course you have a few clowns who are stuck up and think they know more than they really do about MX. But these are meaningless « tourists », the kind that believe the elections were stolen, lol. In Europe, Seb is a legend. Good day to you, Einstein…

[@johnmalone2389]

@@bagargui You are a latino, what do you know about the States ? LOL

[@bagargui]

@@johnmalone2389 I lived 20 years in the States, the rest in Europe. Raced a little in the US. Won amateur day in Gainesville and got 6th at the Daytona SX in 250B. Unlike you I know both Continents, Einstein…😂

[@johnmalone2389]

@@bagargui I do know Europe, I was in Italy last year at Maggiora MXGP, ain’t about who knows more places, damn you guys are strange, I see why you didn’t fit here 😂

[@ogasi1798]

any MXGP champ is world champ, not mx in europe

[@yabadabadoo72]

How do you figure that?

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

So Carmichael was not good racing in Europe? What about James Stewart? Or Ryan villopoto

[@claytonandrews7234]

Sebastian Tortelli was just as fast and sometimes faster than RC AT TIMES. PROBABLY THE FASTEST EUROPE EVER HAD. NO HE WAS AND STILL CONSIDERED THE FASTEST OF ALL TIME FROM EUROPE. THING IS HE DIDNT KEEP IT ON TWO WHEELS ENOUGH TO WIN 9 10 TITLES AS EVERTS AND CAROLLI. BUT EVERTS COULDN'T EVER KEEP UP WITH CARMICHAEL. THE ONE MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS OR EVER HOW YOU WANNA PUT IT CARMICHAEL CAME FROM THE BACK OF THE PACK WHILE EVERTS WAS ALL ALONE WAY OUT IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY ELSE. CARMICHAEL COMES THRU THE ENTIRE PACK CATCHES, PASSES, AND RUNS OFF AND LEAVES EVERTS IN HIS DUST. ACTUALLY FINISHED SO FAR AHEAD OF EVERTS THAT HE WASN'T EVEN IN HIS DUST ANYMORE. SEBASTIAN, ON THE OTHER HAND CAME FROM I DONT KNOW HOW FAR BACK IN ONE OF THE MDNATIONS RACES AND PASSED CARMICHAEL AND PULLED AWAY. NOBODY ELSE EVER DID THAT TO RC. BUT AGAIN HE EVIDENTLY WASNT NEAR AS TOUGH AS RC, BECAUSE RC HAD SOME OF THE WORST WRECKS ONLY TO GET BACK ON HIS BIKE AND COME BACK TO WIN. SEBASTIAN ALWAYS GOT HURT IN HIS WRECKS AND COULDNT FINISH THE SEASON ALOT OF TIMES. I LOVED WATCHING HIM AND HATED WHEN HE BEAT RC. BUT HE JUST DIDNT HAVE THE HEART OF A CHAMPION AND HE WRECKED ALL THE TIME. THE REASON HE IS NOT A 10 OR EVEN CLOSE TO IT IN WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS