MXGP

Sidi is excited to invite you the SIDI stand, Sunday at 11:30 a.m., where “special guest” Antonio Cairoli will be present to sign autographs and pose for pictures with his fans as he presents the CROSSFIRE 3 SRS TC222 Limited Edition boots dedicated to him by Sidi.

The champion's boot will now be available to every MX enthusiast. Cairoli will be accompanied by his team mate Glenn Coldenhoff. During the week-end at the stand they will alternate with even more riders from the Sidi team for pictures and autographs. Don't miss it! 

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia, Italy, 23 June 2017 - MXGP is back racing after the weekend break and this weekend the 11th MXGP stop of the year is at the renewed Ottobiano Circuit for the FIAT Professional MXGP of Lombardia. In MXGP’s last visit to Italy we saw an amazing comeback from current points leader and Italian native Antonio Cairoli along with a career first MX2 Overall for Jorge Prado. The FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia will receive the normal television coverage from its traditional partners and as usual the GP will be broadcasted LIVE to everyone worldwide from Ottobiano on www.MXGP-TV.com both days.

Plus don’t forget you can always watch MXGP’s 26min Behind the Gate in Europe on motorsport.tv & MotorTrend two days after each round of the MXGP series. It can also be viewed in the USA/Canada on BeIn and MAV TV, Finland on MTV 3, Croatia on Kreator TV, South America on FOX Sports, Asia on FOX Sports, China on Fox Sports and SINA, and the Middle East and Africa on BeIn.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch the FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday  25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 05:30 pm EST (02.30 pm PST) Delayed

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2  – 02:00 pm EST (11.00 am PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

ÉEN

Sunday 25 June  –MXGP 15mn highlights – 19:45

BULGARIA

BNT HD

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 Bulgaria time

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 Bulgaria time

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday  29 June – MXGP Race 2 – 18:00 – Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live streaming

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live streaming

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

SPAIN

Open Sport

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 UK time – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 –  10:00 Brazilian time - Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 2 –  12:00 Brazilian time - Live

MIDDLE EAST – AFRICA

BEIN

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS 3

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 Asia time – Live

CHINA

STAR Sports 2 China

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 Asia time – Live

MXGP will available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Here below the MXGP-TV LIVE Program and by clicking here you can check the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

Click HERE to watch the Track Preview

All the photos of the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 07:00; EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 07:45; EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 08:30; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 09:15; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 10:00; EMX125 Last Chance Race 10:55; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance 12:55; EMX300 Race 1 13:40; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX125 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:45; EMX125 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25, MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia

The talented American Supercross racer, Malcolm Stewart (Bartow FL, USA - 1992), has landed in Italy welcomed by one of his sponsors, Gaerne. Gaerne has been a leader in handmade boot production since it's beginning, 55 years ago. The Italian manufacturer professionally designs, develops, and produces the motocross boots of the charismatic rider, who is one of the most followed and liked in the world.

He debuted his professional Supercross career on February 12, 2011 at the Houtson Supercross at Reliant stadium, where he began his quest to a Supercross championship. In 2016, "The Predator" had taken the next step in his career, winning the prestigious Supercross 250 Lites East Coast Championship.

After he visits the Gaerne factory, where Malcolm will discover how the boots of which he wears during his races are made, the enthralling American racer will head to Ottobiano over the weekend of the 24-25th June for the Fiat Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia.

Malcolm will be at the race to hang out with his fans and enjoy the races. Lucky fans can head to the Gaerne booth throughout the weekend to meet the Supercross star, who will be available to sign autographs and take pictures.

Belgium might not have had a world champion since Steve Ramon in 2007, but they are still the most powerful country in world motocross. Here are some of their legends.

Stefan Everts – 10 World Titles

Stefan Everts record of success will be very difficult to beat. Not only does he have 10 world titles, but he also has 101 grand prix victories, the second most GP wins is 80 by current MXGP hero, Antonio Cairoli. Everts also won three GPs in a single day, and he won world title on all four brands of the Japanese motorcycles (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki). Not only did Everts have an amazing racing career, but he now owns the Suzuki Factory team effort.

Joel Robert – 6 World Titles

Joel Robert was for many years the most successful grand prix rider in the history of the sport, but that was until Stefan Everts came along and broke all his records. Robert has not only six FIM world titles, but also 50 GP victories. Known as a character, Robert once raced three races in a weekend, won them all and partied after each race. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, motocross racers were known to smoke and drink during the season and Robert was a legend at more than just racing. Riding for the Suzuki factory team in the 1960’s and 70’s gave him an added advantage over his rivals as the Suzuki factory was clearly a level above the others.

Roger De Coster – 5 World Titles

Simply known as ‘The Man’ back in the day he had a lot to do with many people coming into the sport of motocross. Slick, good looking and always confident De Coster won five FIM World 500cc Championships and 36 GPs in the 1970s. He also rode for the Suzuki factory team and while Robert was dominating the 250cc class, De Coster was in control of the 500cc class. De Coster is also famous for being manager of the Team USA effort for the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations and he has been the team manager since the early 1980s.

Georges Jobe – 5 World Titles

In one of the toughest eras in the sport’s history, Jobe put together five FIM World titles and 28 Grand Prix wins. Similar to his countrymen (Eric Geboers and Andre Malherbe) Jobe came up against riders like Hakan Carlqvist, Dave Thorpe, Brad Lackey and Kees Van Der Ven and was still able of putting together one of the most incredible careers in the sports history. Jobe won two FIM World 250cc and three FIM 500cc world titles.

Eric Geboers – 5 World Titles

If size was disadvantage then Eric Geboers would have nothing under his name, but the size of his heart made sure that he was always in the heat of battle against the best motocross riders in the world. Five FIM World Motocross Championships, 39 grand prix wins and the first man to win World titles in all three classes (125cc, 250cc and 500cc). Geboers was known for his professional approach to the sport and his desire to win at any cost.

Joel Smets – 5 World Titles

Unlike his biggest rival Stefan Everts, this tall blonde Belgian didn’t have the most talent in the World, but what he lacked in talent he made up for with sheer determination. Smets won five FIM World titles and 57 GP victories. Never really came up to scratch when it mattered against Everts, but could handle just about every other rider of his era and did give Everts a lot of trouble when they did meet.

Harry Everts – 4 World Titles

Father of Stefan won four FIM world titles, one in the 250cc class and three in the 125cc class. The senior Everts rode for the Suzuki factory team during his domination of the 125cc class. Everts won in the 125cc class in 1979, 1980 and 1981 and the 250cc class in 1975.

Andre Malherbe – 3 World Titles

Ask Stefan Everts who he thinks is the most accomplished GP rider of all time and he might just mention the name Andre Malherbe. Malherbe won three FIM World 500cc Championships, but could have added more titles as in the period he was having success in the 125cc class it was not yet a FIM World Championship classified event, only a European Championship. Malherbe also won 28 Grand Prix’s.

Gaston Rahier – 3 World Titles

The late great Gaston Rahier. His three FIM World 125cc Championships came in the golden era of the Suzuki factory team. From 1975 until 1984 Suzuki won every FIM World 125cc title and just like Harry Everts did from 1979 until 1981, Rahier won his titles in succession, winning in 1975, 76 and 77. Rahier was the first ever FIM World 125cc Champion and like Eric Geboers used his small statue as an advantage.

Steve Ramon – 2 World Titles

Ramon has made the most of his career. Both world titles came in unusual circumstances. His first was the FIM World 125cc Championship in 2003 when he just beat Stefan Everts in the points after Everts hadn’t competed in the early rounds. Ramon’s second title came in the 2007 FIM World MX1 Championship. He had trailed Josh Coppins by around 100 points before Coppins crashed out of the Grand Prix of Czech Republic ending his championship assault. Ramon was there on both occasions to pick up the pieces courtesy of his solid results throughout the whole season.

Copyright: Photo: Geoff Meyer

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia - Italy, 21 June 2017 - Two weeks have passed and MXGP is back to racing at another new circuit! This time around the 11th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will be held at the Ottobiano International circuit completely renewed for the Fiat Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia.

The Circuit of Ottobiano boast a 130,000 square meter parking lot paddock side and over 1.600 trucks have gathered 16.000 cubic meters of sand to create the arena for the event.

While MXGP’s last visit to Italy was earlier in the year for the MXGP of Trentino which provided great racing action. This weekend’s racing will undoubtably be filled with the same hosting not only MXGP and MX2  but the European championship classes of EMX250 and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing along with EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli is not only the current points leader but he is also one of the biggest names in Italian motorsports. His last visit to his home country was one of his most impressive showings of heart and determination via a spectacular race comeback. With sponsor commitments, endless fans, and of course fantastic racing, Cairoli has a busy home GP ahead of him as he tries to claim both Italian overalls this season.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle has found the winning formula the past two GPs in a row. From the hard pack French soil to the mud of Russia, Desalle his stepped up to the top of the podium. After the past GPs Desalle has moved up to 2nd in the championship points. While Desalle’s visit earlier in the year to Italy resulted in 6th overall, the Belgian now has confidence and is at the least a podium threat.

Frenchman and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin has had solid results lately but it is clear he is capable of even higher. Paulin already has a GP overall under his name this year but after slipping out of 2nd and down to 3rd in the championship, he will be shooting for another overall this weekend. Paulin finished 5th overall during the last Italian GP.

Fourth in the points chase is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Herlings comes off an impressive MXGP of Russia podium. While some may contend that he should have done better, the podium came in the mud a condition that has plagued him in the past. Looking forward to this weekend, the “Bullet” will be back to his bread and butter of soil, sand. Herlings is often referred to as the world’s best sand rider and will look to show it on the new Ottobiano circuit.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre season started to turn around in France and continued to improve in Russia. The 2015 Champion nearly won Russia’s race 2 on the way to 6th overall. Riding with new found confidence and determination Febvre will likely be fighting for a podium this weekend.

Febvre’s Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing team mate Jeremy Van Horebeek suffered a broken finger in Russia and will not race this weekend.

Team HRC MXGP is back in full force while the last GP it was Evgeny Bobryshev, this time it is the reigning champ Tim Gajser making the return. Still 5th in the championship after missing out on points the few previous rounds, Gajser is back and excited to compete on the new Ottobiano circuit, in what may be the beginning of a comeback.

Returning from injury is also Wilvo Yamaha MXGP’s Shaun Simpson. Simpson known as a “sand master” last raced at the MXGP of Latvia.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 381 points; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 334 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 333 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 291 p.; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 261 p.; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 261 p.; 7. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 242 p.; 8. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 233 p.; 9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 223 p.; 10. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 202 p.

While Desalle has won the last 2 overalls in MXGP Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass has done so in MX2. The difference for Jonass is that they are 2 of many this season and that are helping him to grow his points lead. Showing consistent results regardless of the conditions Jonass truly is the man to beat.

Meanwhile Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer is the man trying to beat Jonass and after his performance in Russia’s race 2 it is clear he is motivated. Seewer lapped every rider but second place including Jonass in third. With gaining points as his focus this GP the easiest way for the Swiss rider to do so is by winning the overall. Now 45 points off the lead be sure to keep on eye on the number 91 this weekend.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen had his first taste of success in MX2 during the last Italian GP when he won the qualifying race. Sitting 3rd in the championship and with one GP overall under his belt, he will be fighting for his 2nd during this visit to Italy.

LRT KTM’s Julien Lieber finished 3rd at the MXGP of Trentino and will be looking to do the same if not better at Lombardia. Struggling lately with mistakes and falls Lieber could use the confidence boost of a podium finish.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel is working his way forward this season and most recently scored 4th overall in Russia. Paturel is now 14 points behind Lieber but still looking for his first overall. If Paturel can nail a pair of good starts the chances of him accomplishing the Lombardia overall are decent.

Another rider to watch this weekend is HSF Logistics Brian Bogers who comes of a season best podium finish in Russia.

HRC MX2 team will have Michele Cervellin riding his home GP but it will be along side the new recruit of Anthony Rodriguez. On the other hand in what would be a home GP for TM Factory Racing’s Samuele Bernardini the Italian will instead sit out with a knee injury.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 414 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 369 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 317 p.; 4. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 308 p.; 5. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 294 p.; 6. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 230 p.; 7. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 225 p.; 8. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, SUZ), 199 p.; 9. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 184 p.; 10. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 174 p

Click HERE to watch the Track Preview

All the photos of the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 07:00; EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 07:45; EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 08:30; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 09:15; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 10:00; EMX125 Last Chance Race 10:55; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance 12:55; EMX300 Race 1 13:40; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX125 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:45; EMX125 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25, MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia

One hundred and fifty-seventh issue of this re-designed bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 157: Blogs & Pics; Everything from SBK in Misano to MXGP in Russia, MotoGP in Catalunya and MX at Highpoint. Take a dip, gain some insight and marvel at some special snaps. Foot in the Door: Irwin. How to break into MXGP? British Championship leader Graeme Irwin talks of his Grand Prix thirst and the fine line of compromise in chasing a dream. Cairoli: The Longevity; a swift chat with the MXGP World Championship leader on still being able to produce the goods at the age of 31 and as the oldest racer in the top fourteen of the standings. Boots and Breaking it down; we talk MotoGP boots with Alpinestars, EJ interviews Kenny Roberts, Steve chats to TT star Peter Hickman while Roland gets impressed by Suzuki’s new GSX-R1000

Read it HERE

This weekend at the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia there is an awesome competition thanks to the team at Fiat Professional! All you have to do to go in the draw to WIN fantastic Fiat Professional and MXGP Prizes is to answer the questions below:

• Which MXGP rider is the Fiat Professional Ambassador?
• Which is the official vehicle of the FIM Motocross World Championship?

Awesome prizes for the winner:

- 2 entries for a MXGP event

- a Fiat Professional Kit (sweatshirt; t-shirt; cap)

- MXGP3 The Official MXGP Videogame

- Access to www.mxgp-tv.com

Click here to PLAY & WIN! 

To enter the competition trough your desktop or mobile phone please click HERE

Competition lasts until next Tuesday 27^th June

Take a look at the latest issue of Motocross Illustrated. Stories with 2015 World MXGP champion Romain Febvre, Suzuki Factory rider Arminas Jasikonis, former MX2 world champion Marvin Musquin and USGP winner Eli Tomac. Plus brilliant images from legendary Grand Prix photographer Ray Archer.

Read it HERE

It’s summer time and MXGP-TV has a new exclusive Mid Season OFFER. You can now buy the season package which includes LIVE & ON DEMAND races from every round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship MXGP season as well as the Women's Motocross World Championship, all the European Championships and the Veterans World Cup plus the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at a discount of 50%.

This season has been full of action so far and the only way to guarantee you haven't missed it is to be an MXGP-TV member. You can not only watch every upcoming race live but you can even watch what you may have missed! From Gajser leading the points to crashing and Cairoli taking it away! The tracks on the calendar have been new, gnarly, and the massive crowds have been awesome. We have seen rookies and veterans alike win in what is an ultracompetitive field!

Click HERE and take part in this MXGP-TV sale 

Italy will hold the next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, set at the Ottobiano Motorsport Circuit in the north of Italy. A proud motocross country, and one that has not only the current MXGP red plate owner, Antonio Cairoli, but a very special history with the sport.

A handful of countries have a long-standing relationship with the FIM Motocross World Championship, and Italy is one of those, holding their first ever Grand Prix in 1957, when Swedish rider Bill Nilsson won at the Imola circuit.

Antonio Cairoli is passionate about his sport and even more so about his country. Often sportsman of the year in Italy, and a household name, Cairoli has done more for Italian motocross than any Italian motocrosser before him, and believe me, there have been some very special Italian riders to have graced our sport.

Present day Yamaha Factory team owner Michele Rinaldi was the pioneer of Italian world champions, winning the FIM World 125cc Motocross Championship in 1984 and scoring 13 GP wins.

Rinaldi was a lucky man, like anyone else who raced for the Suzuki factory back then he knew he had the bikes to win. The yellow Suzuki machines won 10 125cc titles in a row, Rinaldi’s crowning glory being the last of the 10.

Rinaldi still attends the races as team owner of the Yamaha Factory effort, and he has seen a changing of the guard in many ways. He has also seen the improvement in the MXGP riders over recent years.

“The modern day MXGP rider has become crazy fast. I mean these bikes they ride are so powerful. I think maybe one or two American riders are capable of racing with the MXGP riders now. Things have changed. I was in an era for me that the American riders were just too fast for us, they were much faster than me and more others.”

Alessandro Puzar kept the fire burning in Italian motocross with a 250cc title in 1990 and a 125cc title in 1995. Puzar also picked up 22 GP victories in his very exciting career and he remains one of the most interesting characters in the sport.

Following Alex Puzar success came Alessio Chiodi. Chiodi won three 125cc titles in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and scored 26 GP wins, at the time placing him just outside the top ten for all time GP winners.

At the time Chiodi was considered the best Italian rider of all time, and his battles against the likes of Grant Langston, James Dobb and David Vuillemin were epic.

Another Italian Andrea Bartolini won a world 500cc championship in 1999, racing for the Rinaldi Yamaha team Bartolini was up against the mighty Joel Smets, but made the most of the Belgians misfortunes to clinch Italy their seventh motocross world championship.

Since Bartolini times got a little quiet, although in 2008 David Philippaerts added title number 8th world title, and of course in 2005 Cairoli began his collection of world titles.

What makes the performances of Cairoli so special is the fact he has won FIM Motocross World Championships on eight occasions, just as many as all his previously mentioned countrymen. Cairoli also has 80 GP victories. A tally he would love to add to in 10 days’ time, when the FIM Motocross World Championships return to Italy.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer