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Motorbike Racing Legends Past and Present

Valentino Rossi Mugello AGV helmet
Rossi's Mugello helmet

Who are the greatest rider legends of all time, and do you agree?

Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Top Riders of All Time

What criteria can be used to judge the greatest motorcycle racers of all time? The number of titles won is a start, but there are many more aspects to what makes a truly great rider. Style, skill, attitude and charisma are all part of what contributes to a riding legend. Motorcycle racing is one of the most exciting and high-octane sports to bet on, and luckily these days there are plenty of online odds offered on races.

Any list is subjective and open to debate, but here’s our breakdown of three of the most legendary and memorable riders, all of whom have more than earned their place in the motorcycle hall of fame.

1. Giacomo AgostiniGiacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

Agostini – known as Ago – is a legend of motorcycle racing, having had a career ranging from rider firebrand to Formula 1, and a successful stint as a team manager. The Italian legend won his first title at the age of 21, and his career accelerated from there. Agostini was noted for winning no less than seven successive Isle of Man TT titles, and the same number of Ulster Grand Prix races, during a time that non-British riders were a huge rarity in these competitions. Ago remains unbeaten to this day.

Agostini went on to win prestigious races such as the Daytona 200 and 350cc World Championship, winning his final world championship in 1975. He later had a short career in Formula 1 and then a longer stretch as a team manager. His dominance on the circuit, coupled with his good looks and charm, have cemented his place as one of the greatest of all time.

2. Mike Hailwood

Mike Hailwood
Mike Hailwood

A contemporary and competitor of Ago, Mike the Bike will be remembered not only as one of the greatest riders of all time, but as a selfless hero. Hailwood won countless trophies, including no less than twelve Isle of Man TTs, but it is an event during his subsequent Formula 1 career that won him the George Medal for bravery. In 1973, after colliding with Clay Regazzoni, Hailwood ran back to pull his fellow driver from his burning car. Hailwood was tragically killed in a road traffic accident, along with one of his children, in 1981.

3. Valentino RossiValentino Rossi and Ducati get video games fans

Ago and Hailwood may be heroes of the past, but Rossi is still startlingly relevant, even at the age of forty. Loved just as much for his quirky and outgoing character as his stunning racing record, ‘The Doctor’ continues to entertain and enthral motorcycle racing fans across the globe.

As sports betting increases in popularity, many of us who play mobile casino games are branching out into placing wagers on our favourite sporting events. Online odds on Rossi and other bikers are available from some of the biggest and most reputable sportsbooks in the business. Rossi has a history of adversarial showdowns, most recently with Marc Marquez. Resources like https://mobile-casino.ca/odds can keep it interesting when sizing up the online odds.

Of course, there are (and have been) plenty more riding greats in the world of motorcycle racing. Kenny Roberts, representing the USA, and the great Australian Mick Doohan could easily have made it on to this list, amongst many others.

Ago and Mike the Bike both went into Formula 1 in their later years, and that seems to be a popular transition for many riders. Until fairly recently, fans who want to put money on racing outcomes would have to wait for their motorcycle heroes to make the jump. These days, anyone who is up to date with the best casino games odds can also find online odds for motorcycle races.

Rossi’s next season begins this month in Qatar, as the start of the 2019 MotoGP season. His Yamaha team mate is Maverick Viñales, who won best rookie award in the MotoGP class in 2015.

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