Not too sure about Michenek as I'm not convinced he had the true dedication, but other than that I agree. The thing is, so many of those old one-off titiles were turned on one single race and it's impossible to make comparisons.
Would Ivan have won in 1972 even if they had had semi-finals and a final. Ole Olsen was far an away the best rider on the night but totally blew it in his first ride.
1977 - Ivan was again fortunate. Wasn't he back in third or fourth when John Boulger fell off in one race?
Ivan, therefore, certainly had his share of luck in those finals but who knows what would have happened with the GP in place.
I've long stuck with the theory that Ivan was the best, though, but I have to say that I'm starting to sway towards Rickardsson now with the way he's benn going this year. That Cardiff final came close to clinching it for me. His form this year is remarkable.
I don't see why Ivan should say he's the best. It's pure conjecture.