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/354059
IN THE WIND P34 RAGA WINS, BOU RETAIN POINTS LEAD T he seventh round of the 2014 FIM Trial World Champion- ship in La Mongie, France, July 27, came down to the tie- breaker which favored Gas Gas rider Adam Raga, with second place go- ing to Repsol Honda's Toni Bou. In a very close contest, de- cided on the time element of the event, both Raga and Bou were locked in battle for victory and finished on two marks lost, hav- ing pulled well ahead of the rest of the competitors. Raga was eventually declared the winner by just over three minutes from Bou. On the opening lap both rid- ers kept their feet firmly on the footpegs until section six, where Bou parted with a single mark, as Raga took control with a zero score. Their nearest challenger was Jeroni Fajardo (Beta) who was on a score of five. With the pressure now on both riders it was Bou's turn to apply it on the second lap, which he did as Raga had two single mark pen- alties on sections six and nine. While Bou only parted with a over to Suzuki to be teammates with Ricky Carmichael," Tedesco said. "I learned so much from RC. I am thankful for his friend- ship, the opportunity to train with him and the help his par- ents have always given me. They treated me like family and did ev- erything they could to help. I had a successful rookie Supercross season finishing fourth behind Carmichael, Stewart and Reed." After turning pro, nearly 14 years to the day, Tedesco says it's time to hang up his boots. Te- desco finished out his racing ca- reer on the Soaring Eagle/RCH Suzuki Team. "It's never easy to quit some- thing you've done for so long, but the time has come where racing just isn't the same as it used to be," says Tedesco. "I always told my- self when the day comes that I'm not competitive anymore; I need to walk away; that time is now." Tedesco, however, won't be leaving the sport. He will remain with the Soaring Eagle/RCH Su- zuki Team and continue to test the Suzuki's and help get the bikes ready for the team's future riders. "From RCH's perspective, we are honored that he finished out his illustrious career with RCH Soaring Eagle and on a Suzuki," says co-principal Carey Hart. "We are grateful to have Ivan's testing expertise for RCH mov- ing forward. It just wouldn't be the same not having 'Hot Sauce' to spice things up around here!" "I have nothing to be bummed about," says Tedesco. "I can say I have never given less than 100% and have enjoyed proving people wrong. I'm grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the friendships I have made. I love dirt bikes and racing and look forward to finding my new career within the sport because this is what I love to do. "Thank you to my fans, who have always had my back and motivated me to keep going! I hope to see you all at the races soon." Former 250 Supercross, 125 Motocross and MX of Nations Champion Ivan Tedesco announced his retirement from racing. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON CUDBY