Electrical Issue Spoils Antonio Cairoli’s Return to Pro Motocross at RedBud

Nine-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli made his return to the U.S. Saturday at round 6 of the Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud.

Having previously raced in the U.S. in 2022 after retiring from racing full-time, it was announced in late-June that the Italian would return and debut Ducati’s Desmo450 MX in AMA competition for the first time at RedBud and Spring Creek.

Riding a production stock model, Cairoli shined in the first 450 moto at RedBud, capturing ninth after a slow start. Unfortunately in the second moto, Cairoli was forced to retire early in what the team is calling an “electrical issue”.

“It was an amazing experience to ride here in RedBud,” Cairoli said in a team statement. “In the first moto, I had some trouble during the first laps. I had a good start in P5, but my starting hook got stuck, and I lost a few positions. Then I was able to find a nice flow, and I came back to P9. I was happy with my pace. In the second moto, my plan was to get another fast start and manage the opening laps better, but after a strong launch into fourth and while pushing for third, we had a small issue with the bike, and I was forced to pull out. Overall, it was still a positive day. We’re here to test and develop the bike, and these things can happen. Now we’re looking forward to a solid week of training and coming back ready to battle for another top 10 in Millville.”

Cairoli will contest round 7 of the championship this weekend in Millville, MN, at the Spring Creek National.

LOOKING FOR MORE: AC was on the PulpMX show last Monday prior to RedBud to discuss his bike, returning to America and more: