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ANTONIO CAIROLI
450 MXGP / 3RD
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / TILLS
>> Coming into the Southeastern staple of Florida, you must be prepared for some of the fiercest animals on the entire North American continent. Great Whites, alligators, you name it, and you may just have the opportunity of an en- counter with a particular beast in the realm of Mother Nature. They are the kings of these particular soils and waters, something that Antonio Cairoli aspires to do on this particular day at WW Ranch. Pulling up to the line with an oh so certain look and growl, his practice efforts were a reflection of the tenacity that lay within him. He awaited the pin to fall for moto one, the heart rate rising, and spiking as soon as his chassis crossed over the metal bracket. A surplus of sand spray-
ing in his surroundings, he was doing all he can to get clear vision; swiping the goggles over every batch of airtime. Looking to move ahead, he was battling with Tim Gajser for a good portion of the moto. The transponder was beginning to nod in unison with his riding style, the times replicating his mindset of the utmost se- riousness. He would hold this effort until the final flag was flown, taking third. For moto number two, he and team had a sit-down to evaluate the blueprint for the upcoming gatedrop. They established a plan, marked their checkpoints and de- tours, and then equipped themselves for battle. It was then a full on charge into the first corner, a field of soldiers rushing into the line of fire; he holeshotted and began to sprint. He was sitting near the top three mark in the early going. Look- ing to continue blistering this grotesque raceway, the ruts were beginning to drag the tips of the footpegs. Pushing with his plantarflexor’s completely stiff, he was trying to be as light on the bike as possible; every millisecond would eventually add up. It was happening, inching near the finish line, he would push for the final position of second, taking third overall, against the absolute best in the world.
14 GRITMOTO • SEPTEMBER 4, 2017
