Eli Tomac Admits Ken Roczen Was His Biggest Rival Throughout His Career: “It Was Ridiculous, The Craziest Thing I Have Ever Seen Was His First Lap So Incredible”
Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen have been two of the biggest names in the world of motocross and supercross for nearly a decade. Both riders have earned multiple championships, numerous podium finishes, and a legion of loyal fans. However, throughout their careers, one rider has always stood out as a constant, fierce competitor: Ken Roczen. Recently, Tomac admitted that Roczen has been his biggest rival throughout his career, even going so far as to describe some of Roczen’s performances as “ridiculous” and “the craziest thing I have ever seen.”
The Rivalry that Defined an Era
The Tomac-Roczen rivalry has been one of the most defining storylines in modern motocross. From their early days in the 250cc class to their battle for supremacy in the 450cc class, their competition has been nothing short of electrifying. Whether it’s a race on a technical supercross track or an outdoor motocross venue, the two riders have consistently pushed each other to their limits. This ongoing rivalry has contributed to some of the most thrilling moments in the sport’s history.
Tomac’s words about Roczen being his biggest rival came as a surprise to some, as he has faced strong competition from other riders over the years. Names like Marvin Musquin, Jason Anderson, and Cooper Webb have all challenged Tomac for supremacy. But in reflecting on his career, Tomac pointed to Roczen as the rider who has most consistently pushed him to raise his game and has been the one to beat.
An Intense Competition in Every Race
What makes the rivalry between Tomac and Roczen so compelling is the sheer intensity of their head-to-head battles. On the track, both riders are known for their aggressive riding styles and their ability to push through pain and adversity. Tomac is known for his explosive speed, while Roczen brings an almost artistic flow to his riding. Their contrasting styles have made for some unforgettable duels that fans will remember for years to come.
Tomac’s admiration for Roczen’s abilities goes beyond their on-track battles. In fact, Tomac recently mentioned how impressed he was with Roczen’s sheer talent, particularly in the early stages of a race. “It was ridiculous, the craziest thing I have ever seen was his first lap so incredible,” Tomac said, recalling moments when Roczen would burst out of the gate and immediately set a blistering pace that left everyone in the dust.
The First Lap Phenomenon
When Tomac says “his first lap was so incredible,” he is referring to the times when Roczen would get a great start and push the pace early in a race, making it difficult for anyone to catch up. It’s well known that the start is one of the most critical moments in a motocross race, and Roczen has frequently been one of the best at getting out front. His ability to dictate the tempo from the very beginning often put his competitors on the back foot, forcing them to play catch-up.
In races where Roczen started well, his pace on the opening lap would often set a tone that many riders struggled to match. Tomac, with his raw speed and mental toughness, had to dig deep to challenge him and respond to that early dominance. But that’s the beauty of their rivalry – it wasn’t just about skill; it was about the mental game, where both riders had to find a way to cope with the pressure and keep pushing through every lap.
Roczen’s Remarkable Comeback Story
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Tomac-Roczen rivalry has been Roczen’s ability to come back stronger after multiple serious injuries. After suffering a brutal arm injury in 2017, many doubted that Roczen would ever return to his previous form, let alone be a championship contender again. However, Roczen has proven everyone wrong, consistently battling at the front and showing the resilience and determination that has made him one of the most admired riders in the sport.
Tomac’s admiration for Roczen’s comeback story is evident. “I’ve seen him go through some of the most challenging times,” Tomac said, acknowledging how difficult it must have been for Roczen to overcome his injuries and continue racing at the highest level. This only adds another layer of respect and appreciation for the German rider in Tomac’s eyes.
Tomac’s Mindset: The Rivalry That Fuelled Success
For Tomac, the rivalry with Roczen was never just about winning races. It was about pushing himself to be the best version of himself every time he lined up on the gate. Tomac has always been the type of rider who thrives under pressure, and knowing that Roczen was always there, challenging him, drove him to new heights. In many ways, Roczen’s consistency at the front helped Tomac remain focused and motivated throughout his career.
Tomac has often spoken about how he uses his competition as a source of motivation. With Roczen constantly pushing the limits, Tomac knew that he had to give everything he had to stay competitive. Whether it was battling in the mud or on dry, technical tracks, Tomac’s focus was always to beat Roczen. And in turn, this has helped elevate the sport, giving fans some of the most exciting motocross races ever seen.
The Mutual Respect Between Two Champions
Despite the fierce competition between Tomac and Roczen, there has always been a mutual respect between the two riders. Both men understand what it takes to be at the top of the sport and the sacrifices that come with it. Off the track, they have shared many moments of camaraderie, acknowledging each other’s talents and achievements. This mutual respect has created a rivalry that feels more like a battle between two warriors, where both are focused on pushing the sport forward rather than personal animosity.
For Roczen, the rivalry with Tomac has also been a driving force. He has spoken openly about how he respects Tomac’s skill and work ethic, and how their battles have helped him grow as a rider. “Every time I’m out there against Eli, I know I have to give 100%. He’s one of the best, and that makes me want to improve myself,” Roczen shared in previous interviews.
Memorable Moments in the Rivalry
Throughout their careers, Tomac and Roczen have created countless memorable moments. From high-speed duels to intense last-lap passes, their battles have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Some of their most iconic moments have come in the final laps of a race, where both riders pushed each other to the absolute limit in an effort to take the win.
One such moment occurred at the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, where both riders exchanged leads multiple times throughout the day. Their battles were so close that fans were left breathless as they watched the race unfold. It’s moments like these that have solidified the rivalry as one of the best in recent motocross history.
The Evolution of Their Rivalry
As their careers have progressed, Tomac and Roczen’s rivalry has evolved. They’ve both matured as riders, learned to manage injuries, and adapted their strategies over time. While they still go head-to-head in every race, they have also shown a greater sense of sportsmanship and understanding that the rivalry is about pushing each other to be the best.
Roczen, now a seasoned veteran, has become more calculated in his approach to racing, while Tomac has honed his consistency and mental fortitude. The older, more experienced versions of both riders have brought a new layer to their rivalry, where each race feels like a battle of wits, not just skill.
What’s Next for Tomac and Roczen?
With both riders continuing to race at an incredibly high level, the future of their rivalry remains uncertain. As the 2025 season progresses, it’s clear that Tomac and Roczen are both still hungry for victory. Tomac has already established himself as one of the greatest riders of his generation, but he knows that Roczen will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
For Roczen, the desire to capture a championship again is still burning strong. Despite the challenges he has faced in his career, he has proven time and time again that he has the talent to win at the highest level. As long as Tomac and Roczen are still racing, their rivalry will continue to be one of the most captivating aspects of the sport.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages
In the end, Eli Tomac’s admission that Ken Roczen has been his biggest rival throughout his career highlights just how special this rivalry has been. Their battles on the track, combined with the mutual respect they share off it, have created one of the most captivating and enduring rivalries in motocross history. Fans will undoubtedly continue to watch eagerly as these two champions push each other to new heights, leaving their mark on the sport for generations to come.
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