Antonio Cairoli - Strength

There is something special about a human who can overcome all the odds and continue to perform at the highest level, no matter what the circumstances. Seven times  FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli is a special competitor, but as his team-manger Claudio Di Carli said also a special person.

"Tony is a great rider and a great person. He wanted to win here to do his best to honour his dad who always believed in him right from the beginning of his racing career. Tony's father was also like a family member for all the team. Once again Tony has shown us what a special person he is."

Not only does Cairoli have the ability to be the very best in his chosen sport, but he also is mentally strong enough to push aside the passing of his father, and as he himself said, and move on. Mourning is an important part of a loss, and while Antonio had sleepless nights and the sadness that comes with such a loss, the professional side of the Italian legend didn’t want his performance at Matterley Basin to be anything but what his father would have hoped for.

“I have come through the worst two weeks you can have, for anybody. My father was the one who put me on the bike and never put pressure on. I really spent a lot of time with him training and when you miss this part, and it was unexpected, it’s pretty tough. I didn’t train for two weeks and didn’t sleep for three or four days and this isn’t something you wish for anyone.”

With a black helmet and a patch on the back of his racing pants (saying Ciao Benny) Cairoli made tribute to his father in a special way. He rode like we always expect Antonio Cairoli to ride, with the same passion, the same confidence and the same consistency, but this time, around the beautifully prepared Matterley Basin circuit Antonio rode with an angel on his shoulder. And when he walked the steps of the MXGP podium he knew that watching him was his father and mother.

Now Cairoli will head to St Jean d’Angley in France, the circuit that he visited in 2011 for the Motocross of Nations, just a week after the passing of his beloved mother. Another reminder of how brittle life can be, and how strong our  motocross world champion is. You have the world of motocross standing behind you Antonio, our support is there for you in this, your toughest moment.