http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/s...2/November/nov0712-Biaggi-retires-from-racing A great end to an incredible career.
One thing that really impressed me with Biaggi is that unlike most of his competitors he only started racing a motorcycle at the age of 17, some are nearly done by that age! I guess if you have the talent it will show at any age.... Cheers Pilbara
Kinda felt that one coming. One of the greats that had difficulty in the 500 class. Never understood that. Ciao Max. Thanks for all the great races.
I always liked Max even though I understand he seemed to be a rider that people loved to hate. Thanks for the races.
Thanks for the entertainment Max. I allways remember this crash.:eek1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLQamKHzMYM
Was a good article. He had a large fanbase at Laguna in 2005. It appeared almost as big as Rossi. Probably because he lives in LA during the off season and Laguna is packed with SoCal fans. I guess they saw him as one of them! I enjoyed his career and the contraversy he stirred up in GP. I also enjoyed his resurgence in World Supers. He was competitive day one, and backed it up with two titles. Remarkable. I think he was one of the most important motorcycle racers of his time.
Gunna miss Max, for sure. One of the greats. However, I do find it a little strange that he'd go testing and all, and not break the news to his team till after everyone's signed up for next season. Seems a bit hard on the team, methinks......:huh
I remember Max entering the 500 class (1998?), and winning his first race. He actually gave Doohan a run for his money in the early part of that season. His success in WSB is also testimony of his abilities, and not forgetting the four 250cc world titles. Oh yeah, the hatred with him & Rossi was also entertaining
Good for Max, a great talent who seemed to improve in many ways as he aged. Here's to a long, happy, healthy retirement!
Max Biaggi wasn't boring, won a bunch of races and a few World Championships, rode for Factory teams, made some good money and walked away healthy. Can't ask for much more than that. Spectacular victory wheelie save was a bonus. <iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YiCHgOiLW9s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Yeah, he could bin it hard: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EmvGAW1eL9g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Didn't he beat Doohan in his first two 500 races? Shit, they were crowning his championship before April that year.
I was only waiting to hear this after seeing the last WSBK race, he looked like he needed some time alone. Thanks for the great racing Max, it was a pleasure to watch you during your career. And what a career between 500GP and World Supers.
Cheers and thanks for the memories!!! I know he was a rider that others liked to 'hate'. But he was always very good to watch - so clean and smooth. He impressed me a few years ago at Phillip Isand...to my vague recollection, he ran off early in the race ( Honda Corner??) but while dead last, still rode his ass off. He was poetry in motion as he tried to get back into the points. I still think he could have made the announcement of his retirement a bit earlier..but I guess he remained controversial to the very end!!
Dean Adams does Biaggi. It is classic Adams when he is on : http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2012/Nov/121108biaggifeat.htm
Technically yes, but Doohan DNFed those races, I don't think he beat Doohan home on any race that Doohan crossed the line (except for the time Biaggi was black flagged and stayed on the track) but it was a long time ago and I could be wrong. He still won his first 500 GP race and finished his rookie season in second. The only other rider to finish that high in there first year, that I know of is Darrel Beattie, and he didn't quite reach the greatness of Max.