The nine-time motocross champion: “The flame has been rekindled, I will race with the red one in the United States also in 2026. I tried Valentino’s MotoGP, but I prefer rallies”
In motocross he is a legend who has won everything: nine world titles, dominated seasons, comebacks that have become textbook material. Yet, two years after stopping the activities that had taken him to the top of the world, Antonio Cairoli has not put out the fire of competitiveness. In 2025 he really put on a helmet again: first his return to the World Championship at the Trentino GP, then the two American races in RedBud and Millville, up to the Motocross of Nations, where he raced gritting his teeth despite a broken hand. Solid results, concrete technical ideas and even the feeling, for a few laps, of still being able to fight at the front. Today Cairoli is the face of the Ducati MX project, protagonist of the development of the Desmo450 and the new 250, but he does not at all rule out a new assault on the United States in 2026. He has resumed training, closely follows the young people of the Borgo Panigale red team and enjoys a freer life, between family, children and those motorbikes that are a call to the wild. A second life which, ultimately, is not very different from the first.
Tony, after returning to the World Championship and the American races, how exciting was it to return behind the gate with the 222 on the Ducati?
“A strong emotion. The bike was born with us and bringing it to its debut in such important championships was special. We took to the track with the aim of having fun and doing well: the speed was there, they were top ten positions. For such a young bike it’s an excellent sign.”
And the competitive spirit? Has returning to competition rekindled something?
“The desire to win is always there, but realism is needed: the bike is only one year old and in the USA we raced with an almost standard version. The others had much more developed equipment. The competitive hunger was there, but it had to be managed in context”.
How is the Ducati project growing?
“Very good. The current bike is the result of development that began last year. Ducati is strong in racing: in just a few months we have already made its world debut. The speed of evolution is remarkable.”
Compared to your experience at KTM, what type of technical involvement do you have at Ducati today?
“In KTM I worked on the official race bike, not on the version that went to the public. Here we start from scratch: I develop each component, it’s a broader and more intense job.”
RedBud, Millville, Nations: was there a moment when you thought “I can still have my say”?
“Yes, at RedBud. In the first race I was in the top five and then third. There I told myself that the top 5 was possible. Then a technical problem stopped us, but that race showed the potential.”
Among your victories is there one in first place?
“Arco di Trento 2017: a comeback and a very special super victory at home”.
Where do you feel the difference compared to today’s young people?
“In the USA I resumed the 2021 program, with only two months of preparation, yet I was in fifth-sixth place. It surprised me after two years of total hiatus.”
Do you see any differences between today’s motocross and that of its golden years?
“Yes: today we start off very strong straight away, while first the race was built and the preparation came out in the last minutes. With shorter heats everything changes. Furthermore, the bikes have become easier and the values closer”.
And what about the new generation of pilots?
“I see less dedication to sacrifice. I always added extra minutes to work. Today the kids are often satisfied. We need more.”
What are the plans for the rest of 2025 and 2026?
“The Desmo450 is on sale and we are now working on the updates. The 250 project starts, with many tests together with Lupino. I will follow the young people for the European and World 250 Championships and in 2026 I will do some races in the USA as a test rider”.
Have you started training regularly again?
“Yes, and now we also have more material: the bike is no longer a prototype and we work better.”
Do you remember when you realized you wanted to become a motocross rider?
“My father put me on a motorbike when I was little and I immediately understood that it was my sport. It’s a passion born early and never changed.”
What do you like most about your life today?
“Freedom. If I feel like training I do it, otherwise I stay with my children. It’s a demanding but beautiful life.” Are there athletes who inspire you with their dedication and longevity?
“Cristiano Ronaldo for athletic management. I follow all sports, even Formula 1: Alonso remains competitive.”
A joke about MotoGP. His Ducati colleague Marc Marquez will try to win his tenth title. Will he succeed?
“It would be remarkable. And with the memory of the rivalry with Valentino Rossi it will be fascinating. I must also say that Italy with Bagnaia, Bezzecchi and Bastianini has talents that keep our name high.”
Have you ever imagined yourself in MotoGP?
“I tried Valentino Rossi’s bike and the KTM, but I prefer off-road. I really like rallies.”
Do you still have a big sporting dream?
“A big rally race, maybe the Dakar. I’m fascinated by all the work it requires.”
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