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SePTeMBeR 2019 • BACKROADS
THE HAYDEN MISSION words + images: Brian Rathjen
urely one of the most exciting days that Shira and I have ever ridden was in October of 2006 when we were fortunate to be at the final MotoGP in Valencia, Spain. everything was on the line at this final race of the season and a crucial mistake by the legendary Valentino Rossi on the 5th lap, when he tucked in his front wheel, crashing right in front of us, changed the outcome of the entire year.
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American Nicky Hayden – the Kentucky Kid – went on to finish the race, taking third, but…. as a 5-point leader, helped by Rossi’s 13th place finish, took home the MotoGP World Championship. As Americans, we went nuts! The Spaniards around us congratulated us – like we had anything to do with this? But, it was a magical moment. Magical.
