MotoGP stars turn out for Motos Solidarias XI

The Vilanova i la Geltrú sports ground near Barcelona this past weekend played host to the charity football match set up between the Sitges Veteran Association and a Motos Solidarias XI, which was attended by around 500 fans. The Veterans ran out victors by eight goals to five against a team featuring top MotoGP riders Carlos Checa and Ruben Xaus.

Motos Solidarias is the Spanish arm of Riders for Health charity and the recruits for the game were not limited to MotoGP of course, 250cc rider Joan Olive, and Derbi's 125 youngster Jorge Lorenzo were the other current World Championship road-racers out on track, whilst former 125 World Champion Emilio Alzamora and Riders for Health's co-founder Randy Mamola made up the ex-riders.

2004 Dakar Rally winner Nani Roma was also present, along with his team-mate Marc Coma, as well as World Indoor Trial Champion Adam Raga, and championship leader in the World Endurance Series, David Checa.

For the Veterans ex-pro footballers such as former Barcelona star Eusebio Sacristán featured in the match, with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards one of the programmes Motos Solidarias is helping to establish in Africa. Additionally in the half-time break there was an auction for memorabilia brought by the riders.