Tony Cairoli (Red Bull KTM) may have missed out on a record-equalling 10th FIM Motocross World Championship title this season but the veteran Italian’s steely resolve won him even more respect in 2020 with Tim Gajser (Team HRC) – who beat him to the crown – quick to praise TC222.
“Tony is an amazing guy,” he said. “Being 35 and still on top of the game and fighting for a title, even with nine world titles he is still so motivated. I always enjoy our battles because it is nice racing, clean racing and it always reminds me of Arco last year or Mantova in 2016. We just go wide open the whole race and when we pass, we don’t touch.
“He is a big champion of course and it is a pleasure to battle with him. You know he is so many years in the GP. When I was watching [as a kid] I was dreaming one day to battle with these guys, with Tony and the others. Now I am here with them fighting for the championships.”
