Vale's back to winning form

You can always identify the passionate sport followers by the intensity of their conversations during events that would have any other person watching closely. I can relate to this and our enthusiasm stems from the fact that when it's necessary, these drivers and riders have the ability to do sub-human things.

Take for example MotoGP, which is arguably one of the most exciting motor sports to watch. In my opinion the best motorcycle rider of all times must be the Italian Valentino Rossi. Sure the Spaniards are good with Marc Marquez being crowned 2014 World Champion earlier this month, but one of the characteristics of the "baddest of all time" must be longevity. And for Vale to trail the youthful front runners so close during 2014 and finally win at Misano, Italy, and last weekend again at Phillip Island, Australia, just reiterates how good he really is.

Valentino Rossi celebrating in front of his fans

At Misano:
The nine time World Champion Valentino Rossi took the lead in the early laps after passing pole sitter Jorge Lorenzo and swiftly dismissing Marc Marques. Rossi kept the hammer down to finish 1.578 seconds ahead of Lorenzo. With the win Rossi reached a milestone of 5000 Grand Prix points. This is also his 107th victory. To watch MotoGP's recap of the race, click here. It's pretty good.

At Phillip Island:
Though Marc Marques looked as if he would equal Mick Doohan's all-time record of 12 wins in a season, he lost the front of his Repsol Honda under braking and went sliding off into the grass. This opened the door for the Yamaha riders to battle for the win, as there were only ten laps to go. But Rossi was able to break away from Lorenzo, after the pair had exchanged the lead a couple of times, to win the Australian MotoGP. His last win here was in 2005. To watch the race's recap, click here.

I am so glad for Rossi that he was able to get a win in front of his home crowd at Misano and then again at Phillip Island. Both wins meant a lot to him, especially at this stage in the World Championship, for he now has a firm grip on the second place position in the standings.

We all know how much he's wanted it, how long the drought has been, and that though the others have the vitality of youth on their side, but Rossi has the determination that only comes from experience and wisdom. Second place in the World Championship would be pretty good indeed.

Go Vale!

Picture credit: owner unknown.