Michele Rinaldi (motorcyclist)
| Michele Rinaldi | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Italian |
| Born |
March 9, 1959 (age 57) Parma, Italy |
| Motocross career | |
| Years active | 1976 - 1987 |
| Teams | Ancilotti, Gilera, Suzuki |
| Championships | 125cc - 1984 |
| Wins | 13 |
Michele Rinaldi (born March 9, 1959 in Parma) is an Italian former professional Grand Prix motocross world champion and motorcycle race team manager.
Biography
Rinaldi began competing in the 125cc motocross world championships in 1976, finishing in the top three for four consecutive years between 1980 and 1983, first for the Gilera team, then for the Suzuki team. In 1984, he finally captured the 125 title, becoming the first Italian to win a motocross world championship. He moved up to the 250 class with his best result being a second place in the 1986 world championship behind Jacky Vimond.[1] He retired in 1987 after having competed in the Paris to Dakar rally.
When his riding career ended he became a successful motocross team manager for the Suzuki and Yamaha factory racing teams. As a team manager, he guided Bobby Moore, Alessandro Puzar, Andrea Bartolini, Stefan Everts, David Philippaerts and Romain Febvre to world championships.