VIDEO: MXGP 2015 The Final Fight
By Infront Moto Racing on 22nd Aug 15
Who's ready for Mantova? Goosebumps alert!
While Italy might be known for its pizza, pasta and magnificent cities, it is also the land of Antonio Cairoli and motocross, and in recent times the MXGP champion has introduced massive amounts of non-motocross fans to our sport.
It isn't just Cairoli though who has helped Italian people come to love the sport of motocross. This year it's been circuits like Mantova, Maggiora and Pietramurata that have brought the southern European country action and excitement. Huge crowds, beautiful weather and typical Italian warmth has seen Italy shine.
In years gone past there have been many GP's held in the south of Europe. From that very first Italian Grand Prix held in the famous motorsport city of Imola there has been a steady growth for motocross in Italy.
For seven years, between 1957 and 1963 Imola held the 500cc GP and many legends won at that circuit, including Bill Nilsson, Sten Lundin and Rolf Tibblin. The Swedish hero's owned those first seven years, with Nilsson winning in 57 and 61, Lundin in 58, 59 and 60 and Tibblin taking the top step of the podium in 62 and 63.
Many magnificent circuits have followed on from Imola, from Gallarate, Cingoli, Faenza, Asti, Castiglione del Lago and Montevarchi. All typical Italian circuits, cut into the side of a mountain or hillside. Rock hard, where throttle control was of a maximum. A challenge for every single motocross racer, as Ryan Villopoto found out this year in Pietramurata.
In recent years many highlight events have happened in Maggiora, of course the home of the 1986 Motocross of Nations, and current GP facility. Maggiora will of course hold next year's Monster Energy Motocross of Nations and that facility continues to grow, keeping that old school flavor, but bringing in new exciting changed to this beautiful circuit.
A lot of people will think about the 2009 Motocross of Nations, held at the Autodromo di Franciarcorta circuit in Italy, the first time this event had returned to Italy since Maggiora in 86. That 2009 MXoN was a turning point for the sport in Europe as riders like Antonio Cairoli and Gautier Paulin took it to the American riders. Sure Team USA took the trophy that year, but the writing was on the wall that the sports leadership was in change and just three years later Europe had taken over as the world power in motocross.
Italian legends such as Michele Rinaldi, Andrea Bartolini, Alessio Chiodi, Alex Puzar, David Philippaets and Antonio Cairoli have made sure the Italian public had something to scream about, and the delight for the massive numbers of spectators that arrived at the Italian Grand Prix's continued to grow.
Now in 2015 three GP's were selected for Italy, and this weekend the final of those three will be held in Mantova. Another beautiful city, full of culture and excitement. A long list of MXGP and MX2 riders fighting for podiums places and victories. The 2015 season has seen a lot of drama and action, and for sure this weekend Mantova event will continue the strong tradition of Italian motocross with an event worthy of world championship status.
