2017 FIM MXGP MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPION
TONY TURNS BACK THE CLOCK
Antonio Cairoli (KTM) was already the second most successful motocross racer in the history of the sport before he clinched his ninth FIM crown in 2017. The Sicilian dominated MXGP from 2009-2014 but then struggled through two injury perturbed seasons before returning to the top of the premier class this year and giving his Red Bull KTM team their first title with the 450 SX-F after five with the innovative 350 SX-F.
Cairoli’s trademark consistency was matched with some blistering performances across the nineteen round Grand Prix campaign in 2017; the longest term on record. He gathered twelve podium finishes and six victories but it was inspiring rides like his comeback from last position to first at round five at Arco di Trento, the powerful double win in Qatar for the season-opener as well as the fantastic double in the sweltering scenes of Ottobiano, Italy for the eleventh round that also stick in the mind.
At the age of 31, Tony was a full eleven years older than 2016 champion Tim Gajser (Honda) was when the Slovenian claimed victory twelve months previously and eight years more senior than 2015 winner Romain Febvre - proving that often there is little substitute for experience, racecraft and strategy. Cairoli’s ability coupled with his humble persona and immense popularity means that he is not only one of the most popular champions the sport has seen but also one of the very best. Will it be a 'perfect 10’ for Tony in 2018?
PALMARES
7 MXGP World titles – 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
2 MX2 World titles – 2007, 2005
