Cairoli's ready for a Mantova comeback
By TMX Archives on 11th Dec 08
ANTONIO Cairoli, the two-time World MX2 Champion, rated by many as one of the three fastest motocross racers in the world today, has finally started training and practicing on the bike, now fully healed from the 2008 season-ending knee injury that he suffered at the South African GP round back in July. The Italian's very first shakedown session took place a few days ago, at the Malagrotta circuit, near Rome, the De Carli Red Bull Yamaha Team's own test track.
Cairoli rode a 2009 YZF 450, the same bike he will debut in the MX1 GP class. He confirmed that his first 2009 race on the 450 will be in Mantova, at the 26th annual Airoh Starcross, which will be promoted on the weekend of February 7/8 by the Tazio Nuvolari Motoclub.
Cairoli, the strong and wiry sicilian said: My initial test went really well. I had a great feeling on the bike and found my usual riding confidence again, I count on being more than ready for the upcoming Starcross race, and I look forward to putting on a great show for the motocross enthusiasts and for my own supporters, and have a lot of fun myself. The track at Mantova suits my riding style best, it's my favourite place to race.''
The Tazio Nuvolari Motoclub president, Giovanni Pavesi, is extremely happy about the agreement he just inked with Cairoli and main sponsor, Airoh Helments, who he met with at the recent Genoa Supercross.
Giovanni said: Antonio is one of the most talented riders today, plus his talent is enhanced by the Mantova track layout and by the dirt conditions. He is always there for the public, willing to sign autographs, exchange a few nice words and shake hands with the enthusiasts.
I believe that Saturday on the race weekend will be the right time to hang with Antonio, this is why we opted to make the pits open to the public at a promotional, low entrance fee.''
Antonio Locatelli, the owner of Airoh Helmets, is also very happy about Cairoli's presence in Mantova. He said: I'm an industry man, but I am a fan of the sport in the first instance. I love the motocross race scene and the surrounding atmosphere. This is the real reason why my company has become this event's main sponsor for the sixth, consecutive year. It will be certainly a great race. My personal wish is that one of the Airoh riders will win, since they will all be there to give their best, from Marc De Reuver, to Josh Copppins, to Tyla Rattray and many more.''
s