Motosprint Caschi D’Oro Awards: our celebration of number ones

A big comeback was called for after a six-year absence and the Caschi d’Oro awards more than lived up to our expectations. The 43rd edition of the Motosprint-branded event had it all, with a ceremony that spanned the ages, from the triumphs of Giacomo Agostini and the MV to the latest feats of Pecco Bagnaia on the Ducati. Both champions were in attendance at the motorcycle magazine’s gala celebration.

A magical evening that was staged at the wonderful Galli theatre in Rimini. Displayed outside the venue were legendary bikes including Agostini’s MV Agusta 500 and Michele Rinaldi’s Suzuki MX, while a number of champions took to the stage – starting with Agostini himself – representing a very impressive number of world titles between them, 60 in all. The perfect blend of past, present and future then, on a journey that began in the 70s – with recognition of the father of Italian motocross Emilio Ostorero – and moved swiftly through the decades, acknowledging a wide range of riders.

Bagnaia and more besides – the future is now

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It’s not often you’ll find Giacomo Agostini chatting with two young champs like Guido Pini and Gabriel Fabio Vuono, both keen to hear trade secrets from a legend. “Try to stop at 14 titles though” Ago smiled (although we know how jealously he guards his record) while speaking to the admiring youngsters.

The two-stroke age continued with the likes of Loris Capirossi and Max Biaggi. The latter received an award for his career but also for his speed record – 470.2 km/h – set just six months ago. “I had to stop during one record attempt as the helmet starts to disintegrate around 400 km/h. You need different equipment for this kind of challenge”.

A memorable journey through the ages, all the way up to the present – and future – of Italian motorcycling. First to receive their trophies were local heroes Enea Bastianini and Marco Bezzecchi, both keen to continue setting MotoGP alight, and then it was the turn of Pecco Bagnaia, the new number one of MotoGP, both physically and metaphorically. “I immediately felt at home on the factory team”, comments Enea, “much better than I expected. I’m ready”.

From Cairoli to Verona

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Bastianini used the Rimini stage to formally announce his title aspirations, something that would see him lift his second world trophy. A feat previously achieved by Manuel Poggiali, another of the champions who received an award and who stood out for his very stylish tuxedo. Then there were riders who appeared via video link, like the 2022 Superbike and MXGP champions Alvaro Bautista and Tim Gajser, who had similar thoughts. “I received my first Casco d’Oro sixteen years ago, so it’s moving to receive a second”, commented the Spaniard. “It’s a special prize that many of the champions I admire have received in the past”, noted the Slovenian, one of the big new names in MX following the retirement of Tony Cairoli, who himself received an award for the nine world titles achieved throughout his career.

Tony's off-road successor, albeit in a different discipline, is Andrea Verona, the EnduroGP champion at just 23, a phenomenal talent who is also humble. Talent, titles and smiling faces... These were the ingredients that went into the evening, reminding us just how motorcycling can move us. Just as we, at Motosprint, will continue to move you with the strength of our passion.