![July 03, 2009 - Monterey, California, USA - File Photo: Valentino Rossi, of Italy, rides the #46 motorcycle for the Fiat Yamaha Team, during Moto GP practice at the Mazda Raceway Laguna July 03, 2009 - Monterey, California, USA - File Photo: Valentino Rossi, of Italy, rides the #46 motorcycle for the Fiat Yamaha Team, during Moto GP practice at the Mazda Raceway Laguna](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/DKFK73/july-03-2009-monterey-california-usa-file-photo-valentino-rossi-of-DKFK73.jpg)
July 03, 2009 - Monterey, California, USA - File Photo: Valentino Rossi, of Italy, rides the #46 motorcycle for the Fiat Yamaha Team, during Moto GP practice at the Mazda Raceway Laguna
![Valentino Rossi transcended bike racing's niche into global adoration – there will not be many like him Valentino Rossi transcended bike racing's niche into global adoration – there will not be many like him](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2021/08/06/TELEMMGLPICT000003728014_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqC3KR36tC2BrWHMM_AXx43ovCdM7y5SFWu0uZ-GBQ2Ps.jpeg?imwidth=480)
Valentino Rossi transcended bike racing's niche into global adoration – there will not be many like him
![Mugello - Italy, May 31 2009: Italian Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi on practice session at 2009 MotoGP GP of Italy Stock Photo - Alamy Mugello - Italy, May 31 2009: Italian Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi on practice session at 2009 MotoGP GP of Italy Stock Photo - Alamy](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2H67CM2/mugello-italy-may-31-2009-italian-yamaha-rider-valentino-rossi-on-practice-session-at-2009-motogp-gp-of-italy-2H67CM2.jpg)