Jake Nicholls calls it a day in GPs
By Team TMX on 19th Jul 17
After 10 years chasing a world championship title Jake Nicholls has retired from GP racing.
The 27-year-old, who was leading the Maxxis ACU British MX1 Championship before dislocating his hip at the MXGP of Trentino in Italy in mid-April, announced his retirement in an email on Tuesday.
'My mind was a mess at the time of the crash but once I was stabilised that evening I said to my mum who was at my bedside that I'm done with racing GPs,' he explained. 'It's been a rollercoaster at times but overall a great 10 years in my life.
'From the day I started racing I always dreamed and believed that one day I could be a world champion. The hardest part of this decision is giving up on that dream, something I've always prided myself on not doing.'
Nicholls, who came closest to achieving his ambition in 2012 when he finished fourth in the world in MX2, took a number of GP podiums but a catalogue of injuries sidelined him for much of his career after he moved up to MX1 in 2014.
"I went through the first four flyaway GPs (of 2017) having not ridden very well and having even less fun, not enjoying the tracks and the travelling at all.
"I got to Trentino and I was taking big risks to get 21st in timed practice. I was so down on Saturday night I cried over the phone to my wife.
Feeling like I was maybe putting too much pressure on myself I approached the Sunday with a different attitude, just wanting to ride well and enjoy it. Next minute I'm sat on the track with my leg facing the wrong way!'
Jake plans to become more involved in the family business and is currently in talks with a number of teams to secure a UK-only deal.
'I leave with no regrets. I'm eternally grateful for all the experiences I've had.
I have some great supporters around Europe and I thank them for always backing me.'
