Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1518395
Joaquim Rodrigues Calls it a Career H ero Motorsport rally rider Joaquim Rodrigues has called time on his racing career. The 42-year-old Portuguese, a Hero Motorsports rider since the rally project kicked off, detailed his decision on social media. "For 35 years, I was devoted with all my heart and soul to motocross, supercross, enduro and, most recently, rally. I have always done it with passion and passion. It wouldn't make sense any other way," Rodrigues wrote on social media. "The dedication that led me to the Motocross World Champion - ship and then the coveted AMA Supercross in the United States has been with me throughout my career. The same dedication and enthusiasm as I put in rally raids. "It wasn't easy, it never is. Leaving home, still a kid, to go to an official team in the Motocross World Championship, alongside the two-time World Champion, is the dream of any young rider packing his bags and heading to the United States, alone, not knowing what to expect from the most ferocious Supercross Championship in the world. "It reached a point where, more than the lack of motiva - tion, I felt it was time to stop, to change course. The enthusiasm wasn't the same, and I've always respected the teams, the spon- sors and everyone around me. "So was it, too, in the rally raids. Attracted to the great marathons, I fell in love with the desert. We started in the Dakar adventures with success, defeats, joys, good days, and not-so-good days, but I never gave up on what I intended to do, because giving up is not part of me." Rodrigues noted that the death of his Hero teammate and brother-in-law Paulo Goncalves in the 2020 Dakar Rally changed the course of his life. "It was the pain felt with Paulo's accident on that cursed day of January 12, 2020, that hurt me the most, and everything changed," Rodrigues said. "I suffered a lot, but also for him I returned to Dakar and overcame fears, and, with his help, we have conquered a mile - stone in 2022," Rodrigues said. "I hope everyone understands my decision. We all must know when to stop and respect those who wish to stop. A stop that is not a goodbye. Fortunately, Hero, once again, showed that it is more than a team, a true family, and has invited me to maintain a connection to the team, which I hope to be able to help and con - tribute to its success." CN WIND IN THE P44 Joaquim Rodrigues' career has seen him race in MXGP, AMA Supercross and motocross, and world- rally competitions.