The tragic story of motorcycle champion Ángel Nieto

Ángel Nieto is a revered motorcycling icon, who had a serious impact on the sport not only in Spain but worldwide. Nieto claimed 13 World Championships, earning him legendary status in the racing world. His life was cut short in a tragic accident in 2017, but his legacy lives on as one of the greatest figures in the sport's history.

Nieto was born in Zamora, located in the region of Castilla y León, on 25 January 1947.

Nieto moved to Madrid with his parents when he was a baby, where he discovered his passion for motorcycling.

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When he was 14, he moved to Barcelona to go and live with his aunt and look for a job as a mechanic. There he furthered his understanding behind motorcycles and decided it was time for a change.

Nieto ran into Paco Bulto, owner of Bultaco (a Spanish motorcycle company later bought by Honda), and offered him a chance to join the team as a young mechanic. He wouldn't be paid however, it was a big step in his career.

Nieto managed to get a job for Ducati-Mototrans yet due to only being 15, he was not allowed to race for another year. Ducati Mototrans ran 125cc motorcycles, and Nieto could only compete in 50cc.

At the age of 16, Nieto found a job at Derbi (a local Barcelona racing team) where he could compete in 50cc races. Big names like Suzuki and their wonder bikes would drastically outpower him throughout the season. Nevertheless, he would secure two top-five finishes in his first year.

Nieto won his first title in 1969, becoming the first Spaniard to win a world title.

After his brilliant 1969 success, his career kicked off in the 125cc categories, where he conquered seven titles in the span of a decade.

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During the span of 20 years, Nieto conquered over 90 championships throughout the different categories. He mingled with 250cc race every now and then, but his real strength was in the 125cc.

Nieto retired in 1987 and formed his own team under the name 'Team Ducados Angel Nieto'. The team failed and was dissolved in 1988.

He later joined RTVE (Spanish state television) as a sports commentator, analyzing races alongside Valentin Requena.

Nieto got married in 1975 to Josefa Aguilar with whom he had two children, Angel and Pablo. He would later remarry Belinda Alonso in 1990 and have another son, Hugo.

While on vacation with his family in 2017 on the island of Ibiza, Nieto suffered a horrible accident on a quad while on his way to Santa Eulalia. He was 70 years old.

Medical reports displayed multiple injuries to the head which caused heavy internal bleeding. He was declared dead on August 3rd, 2017.

Nieto's legacy prevailed in Spain and continues to inspire future generations today. He will always be remembered as the pioneer of motorcycle racing in Spain!

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