Italian riders other than Tafi, the national champion, were also rocked.

As his championship hopes grew in the second half of the season, his fellow Italian riders began to treat him like their little brother.

That is now second only to the 62 Italian riders participating and far ahead of the 23 Spaniards.

He was the last Italian rider to win the 500cc crown until Valentino Rossi won in 2001.

The Italian riders were paying attention and pulled her back.

This grand prix has been won only by Spanish, Italian and Australian riders.

The blue jersey (maglia azzura) was given to the highest-placed Italian rider on the general classification.

The Italian rider was clearly tempted.

The other three Italian riders finished fifth in the team jumping event.

Without psychiatric help, he would "have followed the same path as Pantani", the Italian rider found dead on a hotel floor.