Was having a chat with good friend and well-known motocross photographer Gary Freeman this morning, and as we spoke about all thing’s motocross, our conversation went to the 2015 motocross season, when we all expected Ryan Villopoto and Antonio Cairoli to go head-to-head. Of course, it was also the season that Romain Febvre captured his first world title, when a list of contenders fell by the wayside, including both Villopoto and Cairoli.

It suddenly dawned on me, the close relationship both Febvres championship seasons had with two Monster Energy Kawasaki riders. What I am talking about, was the two seasons, an AMA champion, Ryan Villopoto and MXGP champion, Jorge Prado headed across the Atlantic Ocean to see how the other side lived and raced.

Both loaded up on Monster Energy money, both racing for Kawasaki factory teams and both seemingly having drama filled moments through their seasons. Sometimes with lack of motivation and sometimes due to injuries, but in the end, both learnt really fast, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Now, I would never say Villopoto in 2015 was as desperately bad as Prado was in 2025, because the Spaniard really pushed it to the limit of not trying, however, we all remember the American media telling us how badly Villopoto had prepared for 2015 and how he wasn’t anywhere near the rider, who had won himself 9 major AMA titles. Was he even motivated to go for a championship?

Villopoto might not have been as special as in his AMA assaults, but his performance in winning the GP of Thailand, in sweltering heat, well, that was impressive, far more impressive than anything Prado did in 2025. So at least, the AMA legend did have some shining moments. His opening round seventh place finish in Qatar was average at best.

Prado had to deal with supercross to start up his season, with Prado finished 14th in his opening race, at A1. Sure, a much more difficult job than racing outdoors. Villopoto ended his season at round four of the MXGP championship when he landed on his backside at Trentino, and Prado was injured at round three of the AMA supercross championship at A2, so a similar story for the two MX legends.

Prado returned to racing, but his performances remained average for such a talent. At season end, in a conflict with his Monster Kawasaki team, he was able to get out of his contract and return to KTM. Villopoto, who had done the right thing by his Monster Energy contract, despite not finishing the final round of the MXGP championship and just rode off into the sunset. Well respected and with a pocket full of Monster cash.

The moral of this story, it’s never easier when you cross the Atlantic Ocean and for sure not when a stack of talented riders from AMA or FIM are awaiting you. Villopoto learnt his lesson, but maybe Prado still needs to find his true self, because he learns a similar lesson.