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MXGP World Championship

Miniature: Antonio Cairoli

Reacting to Antonio Cairoli’s news.

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Antonio Cairoli has nine rounds left as a Grand Prix pilot, which is bizarre to type. Cairoli is officially stepping away from the FIM Motocross World Championship at the end of the current term – it is the end of an era! The news was confirmed at a media event in Rome today, which was run by KTM Factory Racing and about as spectacular as his career warrants.

For one to truly appreciate the magnitude of this news, it is crucial to reflect on just how long ago his career started. Cairoli made his full-time FIM Motocross World Championship debut in 2004 and won immediately – it was the historic circuit of Namur that played host to that maiden triumph in August of that year. It was so, so long ago and yet he is still competitive now. The way in which he rode at the Grand Prix of Afyon was arguably the best ride of his career. Yes, he is still that good.

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Ray Archer

There are obviously others who have had careers that have spanned a similar amount of time, but there is a pivotal point to consider. Cairoli has never been able to take a second to collect himself. From that rookie season in 2004, in which he ended in third overall and was a consistent contender throughout, to now, he has always been expected to win and in a spot to do so. The sponsors that he has had have had him pegged as their golden boy every single season – he has had to bear the brunt of that. It is not exactly easy.

Even now, as the Grand Prix contingent are sat at the halfway mark of the current term, he is the leading rider for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, Thor gear, Airoh helmets, Sidi boots and 100% goggles. The weight of expectation is something that is rarely referenced. Imagine being in such a position for more than 15 years? It has been a case of win or bust for so long and he has earnt the right to move away. Heck, there is a chance that he will do so with a tenth world title within his grasp. Now that would be something.

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Ray Archer

93 Grands Prix wins, 181 moto wins and 177 overall podiums. A phenomenal record and one that says a lot about his skill, ability, and tenacity. Those figures have made Cairoli a household name in motocross, across the world that is, and earnt him many fans. There is so much more to his story though. Cairoli is one of the greatest stars of all time and yet one would never know it – he is so respectful and appreciative of the spot that he has found himself in. Not only that, but he is also a true fan. Those qualities are discussed just as much.

Cairoli is going to continue to be celebrated in the coming days and weeks. For now, we must return to the KTM Factory Racing event and continue to reflect on one of the greatest careers ever. It is not over though. Cairoli is a racer (or RACR) at heart and will want to focus on the task at hand as of tomorrow, that being a fight for the world crown. There is not much in it at the very top of the FIM Motocross World Championship and, hey, there is a superb opportunity for Italy to win the Motocross of Nations too. Exciting times lie ahead.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Ray Archer

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Lit Kit Gallery: MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina

The best from round 1.

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Check out some of the freshest fits, helmets and more from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina. Lead Image: Nestaan Husqvarna – Full Spectrum.

Photo credits: Red Bull KTM – Ray Archer / Nestaan Husqvarna – Full Spectrum / Yamaha MXGP – Full Spectrum + Eva Szabadfi / JM Honda / Kawasaki MXGP / Fantic MXGP / Yamaha MX2 – Full Spectrum / HRC MXGP / GasGas – Juan Pablo Acevedo


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MXGP World Championship

Video: MXGP Pre-Season Training with Jeffrey Herlings

Watch now.

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Join Jeffrey Herlings during his pre-season testing after his streak of injuries. Will he get back to his old form?

Lead Image: Ray Archer/KTM

Love what we do? Please read this article as we try to raise £30,000.

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MXGP World Championship

Stark Speaks! Stark believes MXGP should reconsider electric bike inclusion.

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Following numerous questions, comments, and opinions, Stark Future would like to offer its take on the recent Press Conference held at VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Argentina) on 8th March 2024, during the first MXGP event of the season.

Stark Future, a prominent innovator in motocross, firmly opposes MXGP/ Infront’s proposal to introduce a separate Electric Support Class alongside MXGP events. While recognizing the goal of driving technological advancements, Stark Future believes that segregation is not the solution. Instead, seeing integration as an opportunity for all sides to thrive. By embracing new technologies at the highest level of racing, Stark Future envisions making racing more captivating for fans while fostering the strongest technological improvements across the board.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of motocross performance and innovation, Stark Future firmly believes in true competition and integration, where the fastest machines go head-to-head, driving innovation and pushing the sport to new heights. The vision of Stark Future is to build the fastest motocross bike in the world and demonstrate that Electric is not a compromise but a formidable contender.

“As CEO and Founder of Stark Future, I firmly believe that segregating electric bikes into a separate class undermines the essence of true competition in motocross. Our mission is to break barriers and showcase the potential of electric technology on equal footing with internal combustion engines, Motocross thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, and segregation only hinders our collective progress towards a more inclusive and dynamic sport. World Trials have done a great job on including Electric with combustion and have shown that when the platform is competitive it has it´s place amongst combustion counterparts”

Stark Future understands The creation of a separate class for electric bikes, as proposed by MXGP, compromises the essence of competition and risks stifling progress. Instead of fostering innovation, this approach fragments the championship and dilutes the level of competition. Stark Future advocates for the integration of electric bikes into the existing MXGP grid framework, which would promote innovation and benefit the broader motocross community while offering better viewing figures for MXGP programs.

Stark Future recognizes the importance of innovation in the future of motocross. Integrating electric bikes into MXGP would revitalize innovation within the sport and address challenges such as noise pollution, maintenance costs, and accessibility.

In conclusion, Stark Future urges MXGP/ Infront to reconsider the proposal for a separate Electric Support Class and explore avenues to seamlessly integrate Electric bikes into MXGP and MX2 grids. Stark Future is ready to embrace this challenge, and invites industry stakeholders to join in promoting innovation and ensuring that motocross continues to thrive for generations to come.

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