Max Biaggi will retire as a champion, announcing his decision to step away from the sport after winning his second World Superbike Championship by just half a point.

The man known as the Corsair and the Roman Emperor announced his retirement this morning at a press conference at the Vallelunga circuit near Rome, Italy. Biaggi ends his 21-year international racing career with six world championships, with four consecutive 250cc Grand Prix titles from 1994 to 1997 to go along with his 2010 and 2012 WSBK titles.

All but one of Biaggi’s titles were won on Aprilia machines with his 1997 250cc World Championship recorded on a Honda. By retiring now, Biaggi leaves on his own terms while still a competitive racer, turning down a contract extension with Aprilia. Continue Reading »