A top MotoGP rider who spent twenty-five years at the highest level in various classes, winning race after race and championship after championship and breaking records, has ended his career. Valentino Rossi was unpredictable: in races he saw and exploited opportunities that others did not see. And if other drivers did notice this, they often did not dare to dive into the half-meter gap and overtake, or take the lead on the last lap inside with their knees over the asphalt.
Rossi was a phenomenon on the bike and in the way he communicated about his sport. With his personality, talent and craftsmanship, he has given motorsport a different face. In his interviews, the specific technical analyzes were at the level of that of the best mechanics and engineers. He had the humor of the best comedians and the heart of the most passionate motorsport fan. Rossi, 42 years old, has brought about so much. He was not only an example to many younger Italian drivers – his influence was worldwide and extended to men and women in other sports. Many were inspired by him. Also outside of sports, as evidenced by the honorary doctorate in communication he received from the University of Urbino in his hometown, as a role model for students.
His motivation to keep performing was unprecedented. The big rivals among his peers disappeared over the years, new rivals much younger arose and these too were neatly put in their place by Valentino Rossi.
He was not always able to get the best out of himself and his machine during qualifying, but then he often achieved the impossible again in the races, driving to victory from far back in the field. Some of the most bizarre comebacks in motorcycle racing are to his credit. And although he was only sporadically on stage in recent years, his influence remained unabated.
As a public figure, Rossi was not only aware of his exemplary role. He also invested in young talent who would otherwise not get the chance to race, with a training program that mainly catered to Italian talents. The VR46 Riders Academy produced guys who are now among the fastest MotoGP riders. He also created a large following who traveled the world with him. Just like the legion behind the Dutch national team paints the host cities everywhere orange, Rossi supporters flooded cities worldwide with a yellow wave and the inevitable starting number 46. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his homeland praised the charismatic and mischievous Rossi as an ambassador of Italy.
My respect for Valentino Rossi is also great, for the sportsman and the human being. I am curious how he will make a name for himself after his rich career as a driver.
Clarence Seedorf is a former football player. Now he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and guest speaker.
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