A new chapter has been written at Valentino Rossi’s legendary ranch — and it didn’t disappoint. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and fellow MotoGP rider Augusto Fernandez stormed their way to victory in the 11th edition of the 100km of Champions, turning a weekend of dirt, dust, and drama into one of the most talked-about racing showdowns of the year.
Held on Saturday at Rossi’s iconic Moto Ranch in Tavullia, the race lived up to its reputation as one of the most exhilarating off-season events in motorcycle racing. Bagnaia and Fernandez pulled off an incredible comeback after starting from ninth on the grid, ultimately snatching victory from last year’s winning duo — Diogo Moreira and Federico Fuligni. Moreira, already marked as a 2026 MotoGP rookie, put up a fierce defense but couldn’t hold off the charging pair.
The podium was completed by HRC MotoGP’s Luca Marini, Rossi’s younger brother and a five-time winner of the event, alongside Matteo Patacca. For Bagnaia, a proud member of the VR46 Academy, this marked his first-ever triumph in the 100km challenge — and fittingly, it came on home soil. “Winning at home hits different 🏆🔥,” he wrote in celebration on social media.
This year’s race wasn’t just another friendly dirt track duel; it had a twist. For the first time ever, pairings were decided by an algorithm, based on performance from the previous days. That unexpected move sparked some debate among fans and riders — was it a genius way to level the playing field, or did it strip away some of the tradition and strategy behind team choices? Opinions are divided, and that’s exactly why this edition will be remembered.
The lineup once again read like a “who’s who” of motorcycle racing royalty, featuring stars from MotoGP, WorldSBK, Moto2, and other road racing disciplines. Reigning Moto2 champion and new LCR Honda recruit Diogo Moreira took pole position ahead of expected favorites — none other than Valentino Rossi himself and teammate Mattia Casadei.
Before the main event, Friday’s opening action day set the tone with plenty of thrills. Moreira claimed pole, but Rossi, at 46 years old, proved that experience can still trump youth by winning the inaugural ranch Sprint race ahead of Marini and Elia Bartolini. The traditional Americana elimination contest saw Bartolini rise to the top, beating out Moreira, Nicolo Bulega, and Moto2 sensation Senna Agius.
However, the weekend wasn’t all smooth sailing. Twelve-time Grand Prix winner and current Sky Sport commentator Mattia Pasini — the hero of the 4th edition alongside Franco Morbidelli — suffered a crash that required airlifting to the hospital. Thankfully, Pasini later reassured fans with a message: “Thanks to all the great doctors, don’t worry: I’m fine!” Meanwhile, Morbidelli, who has previously tasted 100km glory with Rossi, was sidelined due to a lingering hand injury from Valencia.
As the dust settled, many reflected on how the 100km of Champions has evolved from a backyard challenge among friends into one of the off-season’s most prestigious — and unpredictable — racing spectacles. But here’s where it gets interesting: with Rossi’s legacy continuing to loom large and new names like Moreira and Fernandez on the rise, is the future of this event shifting away from nostalgia toward a new generation of heroes?
100km dei Campioni – All-Time Winners (2014–2025):
1st edition: Nicolo Bulega, Lorenzo Baldassarri
2nd edition: Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini
3rd edition: Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini
4th edition: Franco Morbidelli, Mattia Pasini
5th edition: Valentino Rossi, Franco Morbidelli
6th edition: Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini
7th edition: Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini
8th edition: Lorenzo Baldassarri, Elia Bartolini
9th edition: Valentino Rossi, Luca Marini
10th edition: Diogo Moreira, Thomas Chareyre
11th edition: Francesco Bagnaia, Augusto Fernandez
For those who have followed this event since day one, it’s remarkable to see how the mix of grit, showmanship, and sheer speed continues to evolve. Peter — who’s spent two decades covering the MotoGP paddock and has witnessed Rossi’s unmatched journey firsthand — sums it up best: from the Suzuki exit saga to Marc Marquez’s injury struggles, racing never stands still.
But what do you think? Does Bagnaia’s hometown win signal the beginning of a new VR46 era, or does Rossi’s shadow still define this race? Drop your thoughts below — because this debate isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
