The legend runs on two wheels
June 16, 1942 his father wanted an accountant, so when James told him that he wanted to run a motorcycle, asked the Council to the notary of the family which, equivocating between cycling and motorcycling, gave his consent, on the grounds that some sports would certainly have benefited the minute guy. So, with what you can kindly call a fluke, Giacomo Agostini began the greatest champion that the world of cycling has ever known (before the advent of Valentino Rossi, according to many). The profile of his legend is all in the numbers, which put them in a row have the impressive. Fifteen titles (7 in 350 and 8 in 500), 122 Grand Prix wins (54 in 350, 68 in 500, plus 37 podiums), over 300 hits in total, 18 times Italian champion (junior 2). Born on June 16, 1942 at a clinic in Brescia, first of three brothers, Giacomo Agostini is a native of Lovere. His parents, Aurelio and Maria Vittoria, still live in this lovely village on the shores of Lake Iseo, where dad was put and possessed a peat bog that is now among the many activities are dealt with by the famous son. As always happens to those born by vocation, James feels the passion for motorcycles so bossy and little more than child begins to ride a moped Eaglet of whites. At the age of eighteen finally gets from the then father, together with the Ducati 125, was the bike more suitable for a beginner runner: Morini 175 career oriented Settebello, solid four-stroke pushrod and rocker arm, able to reach speeds of around 160 km/h. At the age of nineteen with this bike takes part in his first race, the ascent Trento-Bondone of 1961 where it ranks second. In the beginning are just that kind of races the specialty of Agostini, which alternates between early speed races circuit, always on the same motorcycle, until, after being spotted by Morini, gets an official car to Cesenatico. In 1963 Agostini concludes its activities pilot of second category with the Morini 175 officers, winning the Italian mountains, with eight wins and two second places, and the Italian Championship junior speed (always for the class 175), winning all the races. But the 1963 had to pay it a greater satisfaction. Without that absolutely could imagine Giacomo Agostini is called by Alfonso Morini in the shoulder to Tarquinio Provini in the Nations Grand Prix at Monza on September 13, third test of that World Championship that the Thumper Morini 250 felt like I could win against Rhodesian squadron of Honda headed by Jim Redman. But if the Morini 250 fine for win in Italy, was no longer competitive against the Japanese machines, World Championship races. "Needle", had now been dubbed by fans, let the kind bolognese to go to Cascina Costa and sign up for the MV. It is the 1964; the following year he made his debut under the new wing of the Japanese. The debut is happy, because already in the first race of the season on the track of Modena WINS: eventually wins all the Italian Championship. World Cup races are another matter and needle must be satisfied to remain in the wake of Mike Hailwod, which will pass at the end of the season on a Honda. In 1966 Agostini is competing in the World Championship against his former teammate: wins two world trials in 350 cc. against six in the English champion who wins the title. At that point, the desire for revenge of Needle is immense. Passed to the 500, won their first title, thus founding legend, then extended to the same class 350. Agostini dominates the two undisputed Queens classes until 1972, the year of arrival on the world scene by Saarinen and Yamaha. But there's more, Renzo Pasolini was the scale of values and riding the Aermacchi-Harley Davidson 350 cc. try to compete on par with Agostini, who opt for the four-cylinder Cascina Costa. That year managed to win the title of 350, but by that time win it will become increasingly difficult. Most problematic is that of the 1973 season, due to bikes that do not provide more certainty of victory. It's the May 20, 1973 when killed in Monza Renzo Pasolini and Jarno Saarinen, throwing in dismay around the world. Agostini reconquest in that sad juncture the title in 350, while Read improves in the 500. The following year Ago switch from MV to Yamaha, best known for his two-stroke engine. The question a must for fans of that time was whether the champion he could confirm her superiority with a bike like that. His masterpiece remains Daytona where he won on the American track. But convinces everyone on the Imola track at 200 miles. In the same year he won the world title of 350 while in 500 Read and Ballard, with MV, pass. Even the Yamaha of Lansivuori walks past in the race for the World Championship. In 1975 came in circus of the World Championship a young Venezuelan named Johnny Cecotto won the world title in 350. In 500, after memorable battles with Read, Giacomo Agostini manages to win his 15° and last world title at the age of 33 years.