Antonio Cairoli honored with Lifetime award
Just like Stefan Everts, Tony Cairoli has also received a lifetime award in the form of 'eternal career number'. During a short ceremony, FIM President Jorge Viegas and Infront Moto Racing President Giuseppe Luongo paid their respects for the achievements of the nine-time world champion.
From now on, the number 222 will not be used by anyone else in the FIM Motocross World Championship. The name Cairoli will therefore forever be linked to the number 222.
During his 18-year racing career, Cairoli has achieved nine world titles, 177 podium finishes and 93 GP victories and remains a candidate world champion in the MXGP this year.
Infront Moto Racing President Giuseppe Luongo: “Antonio helped write the history of the MXGP. Not only with his many titles, but also with his behavior, with his respect and with his honesty. He is an example for all young people. We will miss Antonio on the race track, but hopefully we will not miss him in our world where he will continue to offer his experience and knowledge to the next generations. Antonio, thank you for everything you have offered and continue to offer to Motocross.”
END President Jorge Viegas: “What more can I say. These types of champions are what we work for. If Tony, not the rider but the man, leaves us, we will lose a member of the family. But Tony will definitely stay with us. I don't know what he's going to do, but of course he'll stay with us. And I'm glad he stays, in our hearts. Thank you for everything you have given us and please remain as you are, a great man. Thank you".
Antonio Cairoli: “Thank you everyone for this wonderful press conference, I really didn't expect it! I think I've made a lot of friends here in this paddock and I think everyone likes me for being who I am both on and off the track. I wish I could keep riding longer but my body doesn't recover as well as it did in the past with the succession of races. I think it's time to do something different, but of course I'll stay in the paddock and help young people grow and follow the same dream I had when I was a kid. Thank you everyone for this wonderful gift!”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Directorr: “We have had the privilege of being part of Tony's story since 2010. We know how much we appreciate him as a person and as one of the best riders the sport has seen. It is special that the rest of the MXGP feels the same way with this farewell to his number. The #222 belongs to Tony. He was the reference in MXGP during his time in the World Championship, taking the competition to a high level and dominating the championship for a long time. In addition, he also showed a passion for the sport that allowed him to have such a long and great career. Thank you to Infront Motor Racing and to the FIM for this gesture. It doesn't happen often that a remarkable athlete like Tony comes along.”
Photos: MXGP
Also to read
Jago Geerts: “I want to come back to Lommel”
Jago Geerts is working hard to bounce back from an injury he sustained in early March during the opening race of the 2024 MXGP World Championship in Argentina. The Belgian, who at…Andrea Bonacorsi on his move to MXGP: “That was the most difficult decision of my life”
Reigning EMX250 Champion, Andrea Bonacorsi, will move to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team for the remainder of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship season, replacing…Entry lists MXGP of Portugal
The Motocross World Championship will continue next weekend with the fifth race on the MXGP calendar. In Agueda, Portugal, in addition to MXGP and MX2, the boys from EMX250 and EMX125 will also compete…Tom Vialle is chasing the US title
There is one race left in the US East Coast Supercross Championship. It will take place in two weeks in Salt Lake City, the city that has become accustomed to…
Your reactions