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MotoGP, Farewell Nieto, Rossi: Angel, the first modern rider

THE DEATH OF THE 13 TIME CHAMPION - "As well as his victories, he gave so much with his charisma. He always had the energy of a young man, he always lived life to the full"

MotoGP: Farewell Nieto, Rossi: Angel, the first modern rider

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Angel Nieto has passed away. Following a quad accident in Ibiza eight days ago, the former rider was treated at the Policlinico Nostra Signora del Rosario but sadly lost his final battle today. The last medical report spoke of a worsening in his condition. His death comes like a bolt out of the blue, as only yesterday there was talk of bringing him out of the induced coma.

During the press conference at Brno, the MotoGP riders offered words of condolence. Among these Valentino Rossi: “I have a wonderful relationship with Angel, but also with Fonsi and Pablo – commented #46 - when news of his accident broke, I was with Pablo in Tavullia, I have kept in touch with him over the last days and it seemed like Angel was doing better,  but now the bad news arrives”.

Valentino hoped for an improvement: “I hoped he'd make it, it's a great loss for motorsport – he stated - he was one of the first truly modern riders, I never saw him race but his charisma and his geniality gave me a lot". The nine-time champion then added: “Angel cannot have any regrets, he always lived life to the full. He had his mother's DNA on his side, she is over 100 and might well live for another 30 years”.

Rossi then tells a story: “I remember a holiday in Ibiza, where we were both at the same party. It was 5 in the morning and I wanted to go home because I was tired, while he wanted to keep me there at all costs”.

Marc Marquez is also close to Nieto: “He's a legend in Spain and I'm close to his family – said #93 -  Angel was one of the first riders that I got to know in the paddock. We spent a lot of time together, watching football on TV, he supported Real, while I'm a Barcelona fan”.

 

Translated by Heather Watson
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