Biaggi announces retirement

In a press conference at the Vallelunga circuit just outside Rome on November 7th, the 41-year-old revealed he's hanging up the leathers, effective immediately.

With no specific pre-warning of the content of the press conference, speculation was rife that "The Roman Emperor" may be continuing his successful tenure with the Aprilia Racing Team, switching to Ducati, retiring, or - the real longshot - making a return to MotoGP. As it turned out, those betting on retirement were the smart punters.

Referring to himself in the third person, Biaggi described the decision behind the retirement announcement, and the choice of location to make the announcement:
"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" the Italian rider declared. "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 ".

"All of my life in the last twenty 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 towards always giving my best and my all. 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".

"It wasn't an easy decision to make, and last night was the longest night of my life. For sure nothing will be the same as before but I am serene because it was a decision I wanted to make, not one I was forced into making. In any case, together with Aprilia, we are discussing about a project in the not too distant future and I hope I will be able to give you some more information soon".

Just what that "project" will be had yet to be confirmed at time of posting, but will likely be some sort of team management role. If true, the increasingly mellow Italian will still be a familiar face around the World Superbike paddock in the future.

Image: 2SNAP, courtesy of IRPR