Cairoli Makes Ducati Debut A Winning One
Cycle News Staff | June 25, 2024
Nine-time MXGP World Champion, Antonio Cairoli made his highly-anticipated return to racing aboard the new Ducati Desmo450 MX at round four of the Italian Motocross Championship in Ponte a Egola, Italy, on June 23.
Nearly two years after his retirement from professional racing, Cairoli lined up alongside Ducati teammate and eight-time Italian National Champion Alessandro Lupino.
Early morning rains soaked the Crossdromo Internazionale Santa Barbara track prior to the first moto of the day. Despite the conditions, both Ducatis of Cairoli and Lupino holeshotted the race and led from the start. The two Italians duked it out for seven laps before the race was eventually red-flagged due to weather. This call gave Cairoli the win aboard the Desmo450 MX.
Race two again saw the two Ducatis out front, this time with Lupino leading Cairoli. Another 1-2 sweep saw Lupino take the overall victory, going 2-1 for the day’s overall victory. Cairoli finished second in race two and scored second overall for the day. Lupino now leads the championship points with two rounds remaining.
“Not the conditions I was expecting for my return to racing, but it was still cool,” Cairoli said. “Thanks to all the audience that came despite the rain.” CN