Max Biaggi retires from motorcycle racing. Ciao Corsario

Today it was confirmed what seemed likely to happen with a great, a true star: today the Corsair, number 3, the Italian with the strong character, has retired from motorcycle racing; today Max Biaggi has retired, reigning World Superbike champion in 2012 and a six-time world champion across the various championships he has competed in. So today a great rider says goodbye to competition, a man who always fought and who had both fans and detractors, but who was always on everyone’s lips and in the spotlight.

Shortly after 10 in the morning, the Italian presented himself at the Vallelunga circuit, where it all began, where his beginnings in the world of motorcycle racing took place, and he spoke about his future, though this time not a sporting one. Instead, he came to confirm what some of us already suspected: his retirement after a magical season, fighting until the end for a title that crowns him as number one. He was also clear, did not beat around the bush, and announced his farewell with beautiful words such as the following:

Max Biaggi lascia da campione questo mondo e lascia spazio al Biaggi uomo (Max Biaggi leaves the world as a champion and makes room for the man Biaggi)

It was a very emotional press conference, with a calm Biaggi who, of course, is living one of the most important moments of his life: saying goodbye to racing in order to focus on other things, above all his family, while still living the passion as always, that passion which has sometimes driven him to do many things, but which has always made him unique and irreplaceable. A world champion in motorcycle racing and also in Superbikes, where he lived his last golden era with great races and two titles under his arm.

Without a doubt, a retirement that will leave his fans and his fellow Corsairs saddened, but they will surely understand the Italian. As he himself says, it is time to make room for the man Biaggi. He also wanted to add another remark with his usual ironic touch: “I am happy to leave; I do not want to be like those politicians who cling to their chairs.”

He also commented that there will be news about his future, so do not worry, he will remain connected to the world of two wheels.

Until forever, Max. Ci mancherà il pilota Max (We will miss the rider Max)

Statements at the press conference:

I wanted to give this conference because it is an important day for Biaggi as a person. He is leaving professional sport with the title of champion to begin being a Biaggi that very few people truly know. I chose Vallelunga because everything started here many years ago, when I was a young rider who meant nothing in the world of motorsport, although I later managed to make my dream come true.

Over the last 20 years, my life has been full of joys and difficulties, tremendous ups and downs, but always marked by my passion for motorcycle racing and my dedication to giving everything on the track, which has brought me great achievements. I have had many travel companions, but if there is one who is special, it is Aprilia, with whom I have managed to write the most golden pages of my career. True love: we have been together, we have separated and reconciled… I am happy to retire as a champion with Aprilia.

The decision was not easy. The night before was the longest of my life. Nothing will be the same as before, and it is difficult to take that step.

Aprilia and I are discussing a future project, and I hope to be able to share more information soon.

Source | Motosprint
Photos | Motosprint, GPone.com and Plusmoto.com