Biaggi retires on top

Max Biaggi, who earned his second World Superbike championship this season, announced his retirement from the sport today at the Vallelunga circuit on the outskirts of Rome, where the 41-year-old began his motorcycle racing career.

After winning his second World Superbike crown one month ago at Magny-Cours (the sixth world title of his career), the press conference convened at the start of this week by the Italian rider was surrounded by considerable speculation about his future; whether he would retire, continue another year with Aprilia, move to Ducati in Superbike or even return to MotoGP.

“I really wanted this press conference because today is an important moment for Biaggi as a person; he abandons this world as world champion, a man of sport, to make way for a Biaggi that maybe very few people know really well," he said. “I chose Vallelunga because everything began here for me. It began by chance many years ago, a sort of magic world for a young guy who had absolutely nothing to do with the world of bikes, but then something sparked off in me and afterwards it became a dream that has taken me a very long way."

Biaggi said he feels like the time is right to give up racing.

“All of my life in the last 20 years has been part of a very contorted world, full of joy and difficult moments, ups and downs, but what made the real difference was the passion that has pushed me toward always giving my best and my all," Biaggi said. “This passion for racing has taken me onto some great achievements. I have had many companions along the way, but one that truly stands out is Aprilia, with whom together we have written some important chapters in racing history. It was true love.

“We got together, we left each other, we hitched up again…And for this reason it is right and I am happy that I am retiring as world champion with Aprilia."