>>63029623It wasn't just other riders he was competing against, it was also bikes that were far harder to ride remember. Especially the 500cc seasons. He's adapted to each change in machinery and been and the front end in each 'era'.
He's holding his own in the twilight years of his career with people 10+ years younger than him, that says something.
Plus when you're the best, everyone around you does look very average despite being top, top level riders. Look at Hailwood and Agostini, they arguably had no real competition (apart from each other, briefly) but are routinely called the GOATs.
