One might think that those racing in MotoGP only ever collect an endless series of wins as they move up through the lower classes, without ever experiencing defeat. This is not the case of course, and Cal Crutchlow, with his usual irony, pulled a skeleton out of the closet while at Assen.

It all began when the Englishman was racing in the British national championship; he came across a guy for the first time, someone who years later would become one of the greatest champions of all time.

“I was part of the Super Team Aprilia, in the national series, and the first race was at Mallory Park, a track just 10 minutes from my home. I thought I was the local hero, the best rider at that track, no-one would be able to beat me”.

Things didn't exactly go to plan though.

“I remember that Casey Stoner lapped me in my first race and I was devastated - he admits with a smile - It was embarrassing, despite him having more experience than me. Then we met up again in MotoGP. It's something to be embarrassed about for the rest of my life, if anyone saw the way he passed me they'd be embarrassed too”.

Crutchlow's tale inevitably caused laughter in the audience.

“To be honest, I'd rather not talk about it” he concluded ironically.