Jean-Philippe Ruggia, 40 years ago, the precursor of today's style!
- Luís Salvado Cardoso
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Text: Luís Cardoso
Photos: web
Jean-Philippe Ruggia is said to have been the precursor to the current riding style in road racing.
After a solid progression, winning the French RD350LC trophy and the European Championship, he landed in the World Championship, where, in addition to his excellent results, between 1987 and 1998 he achieved three victories (250cc) and ten podiums (nine in 250cc and one in 500cc).
Jean-Philippe became known for a revolutionary riding style that is now commonplace: not only knee-to-knee, but also elbow-to-ground!
Jean-Philippe Ruggia / HONDA 250cc
In the 1960s, the outside knee became popular.
In practice, it moved the center of gravity of the motorcycle/rider combination downwards and towards the corner, therefore improving handling!
In the early 1970s, Jarno Saarinen, sadly gone, took the concept of the knee outwards to the extreme and began to move the entire body in the same direction with the consequent dynamic benefit!
Then, at the end of the 70s of the last century, the North Americans arrived with Kenny Roberts at the helm and, as a result of the Dirt Track school, they were very relaxed on the bike, surfing on the asphalt and naturally re-extreme the concept!
Finally, Jean-Philippe Rugia, who, to this day, has imposed a style that has not been challenged!
The consequences:
Leather protective suits began with knee tape, later with sliders;
Today, in a similar evolution, they also feature sliders on the elbows;
The controls (progressive) have lost their tilt and are more open, providing a position that facilitates the final result.
Naturally, the evolution of tires and suspensions has contributed greatly to this style becoming common practice today!
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