Takes: Cooper Webb Silences Critics Again with Third Title

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I never quite understood the conversation around Cooper Webb. Not always, and not from every corner of the spectrum, but most of the time it tends to revolve around his speed, or lack thereof (whatever that means), when compared to the likes of Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, Jett Lawrence, and Chase Sexton.

The same was said about Ryan Dungey.  

Webb even mentioned it after clinching a third Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday.

“It’s talked about all the time. I’m not Jett. I’m not Chase. I’m not Eli. But I like to say I’m Cooper “Freaking” Webb.”

That he is. Determined. Mentally sound. Maybe the best ever to be able to adjust mid-race. A winner.

It was somewhat ironic that he was telling this to Adam Cianciarulo, his long-time amateur rival. The same conversations were said back when Adam was beating Webb. He was faster. He had more speed. He had more potential. Due to injuries, we never got to see the “full” AC in the pro ranks. But his success not nearly what Webb has accomplished.

In terms of Supercross, not many have done what Webb has. With his third title he joins a very small list of riders that have three or more titles in the history of the sport. Names like McGrath, Carmichael, Villopoto, Stanton, Hannah, and that Dungey guy. The list is so short that the likes of Stewart, Reed, Tomac, Johnson and many more are not included.

With 30 career wins, Webb is one of just eight riders in history with 30 or more. He sits 8th all-time, four behind that Dungey guy.

When we look back in time, Webb and Dungey will draw comparisons. Never the “fastest”. Never the ones with the most “speed”. But, at the end of the day, they have what matters most: championships. And now Webb has three.