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in which he has become statistically the second most decorated rider in the history of the sport and the greatest racers from his country to have thrown a leg over a motocross machine . “ This is not an easy decision ,” Cairoli said during the announcement . “ I ’ ve always said that numbers and statistics did not mean that much to me . I think it was an achievement for me and my family to win one world championship , so to have had a career like this is very special . I feel that it is the right time to stop . Everything around me makes it seem like the right decision , and we are still trying to win the title this year , so the motivation is high for this challenge . I want to thank all those who have helped me and supported me since I came to the world championship , and all along the way actually . There have been many faces and names and of course all the excitement and love from the fans . I have felt very much part of the KTM family from day one and we will continue our work and relationship together , but now in a different way . There is
a lot more to do in life after 2021 but for now , our goal is very clear .” One of the many highlights from Cairoli ’ s long career came in 2010 when the Italian gave KTM a first premier class crown , which also marked his fourth premier-class title and his second in MXGP . He followed the achievement with a further four titles – all with the KTM 350 SX-F – before triumphing again in 2017 with the KTM 450 SX- F . Together with Claudio de Carli and his loyal technical crew , Cairoli has been a mainstay of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team , image and development programme since that first 2010 season . He has won at least one Grand Prix in all his 18 terms . At the time of his announcement , Tony Cairoli is still very much in the hunt for that coveted 10th FIM World Championship title . Prior to this weekend ’ s FIM MXGP of Sardegna ( ITA ), Cairoli has accrued one win and five podium finishes from the nine rounds of 2021 MXGP . He is third in the standings and only 29 points from the top of the table .
26 KIWI RIDER