Dovizioso triumphs in charity motocross event

Cavallara was the setting for the ‘motocross dei Campioni, 30 anni dopo’ this weekend, an event organised by 2009 MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi to raise funds for a children’s hospital in the Italian city of Pesaro – close to Rossi’s hometown of Tavullia – which treats leukaemia sufferers.

The event was a great success with over 10,000 people turning up to support the 30 year-old’s efforts, as a host of his on-track rivals also gave their time to the cause.

Andrea Dovizioso was the eventual winner, triumphing after three races provided plenty of excitement. The Repsol Honda rider was second in the first two races behind 125cc World Champion Julián Simón, but won the third ahead of Marco Melandri and Rossi to take the overall victory. Simón’s early departure to catch a flight meant the Spaniard was unable to participate in the final race, as Rossi finished second overall.

Declaring the day a great success, victor Dovizioso said, “I’d like to thank all the fans who turned out today and contributed to raising funds. We’ve had a great day, the conditions were perfect and I enjoyed it very much. I’m also happy to have won, even though Simón could not take part in the last race!”

Other luminaries to take part included Rossi’s fellow Italians Loris Capirossi, Marco Simoncelli and Mattia Pasini, as well as former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.