Tormo, almost always with very limited resources, managed to be crowned world champion twice in the 50 cc category: first in 1978 and again in 1981, always riding a Bultaco\u2014although the second time without the brand\u2019s official support.<\/p>\n
In addition to those two World Championships, he won three Spanish Championships in the 50 cc category and four in the 125 cc category.<\/p>\n
During his career, Ricardo Tormo competed in 62 Motorcycle World Championship<\/a> Grands Prix, in which he achieved 19 wins, 36 podiums, 23 poles and four fastest laps.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” delay=”250″][image_with_animation image_url=”1141″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” el_class=”w-full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”1146″ background_image_type=”default” background_image_position=”center center” background_image_stacking=”default” enable_bg_scale=”true” background_image_loading=”default” column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”20px” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”minimum” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” min_height_desktop=”100svh” content_layout=”flexbox” gradient_type=”default” flex_layout_desktop=”column” flex_justify_content_desktop=”center” flex_align_items_desktop=”center” flex_align_items_phone=”” flex_wrap_desktop=”nowrap” flex_reverse_desktop=”false”][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”h1″ text_direction=”default”]\n The doors to the World Championship opened in 1973, and Ricardo Tormo scored his first point on his world debut at the Jarama circuit in Madrid. Meanwhile, in the Spanish Championship, the rider from Canals finished fourth overall in the 50 cc category\u2014a result he would improve the following season, when he finished third.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” delay=”250″][image_with_animation image_url=”1142″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” el_class=”w-full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”70px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” constrain_group_1=”yes” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”section-block only–bottom” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” top_margin_phone=”40″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”1143″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” el_class=”w-full”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” sticky_content=”true” sticky_content_functionality=”css” sticky_content_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default” max_width=”680″ el_class=”text-base”]Tormo did not return to the World Championship until 1976, and in 1977 he joined \u00c1ngel Nieto in Bultaco\u2019s official team to contest the 50 cc World Championship. In the last Grand Prix of the year he took his first victory in the top competition at the Swedish circuit of Anderstop, in the rain\u2014a hallmark that would follow him throughout his career and enhance his legacy years after his farewell, as his ability to be fast on wet asphalt made the difference against his rivals. <\/p>\n The legend wrote its first golden lines in the 1978 season, the same year Giacomo Agostini retired. The Valencian rider won the 50 cc World Title with five victories in the seven races that made up the calendar.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”70px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” constrain_group_1=”yes” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”section-block only–bottom” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” sticky_content=”true” sticky_content_functionality=”css” sticky_content_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default” max_width=”680″ el_class=”text-base”]In 1981 he repeated the 50 cc title with a Bultaco after winning all six races he entered. In 1983, together with a then-young Jorge Mart\u00ednez \u201cAspar\u201d (mentored by the rider from Canals), Tormo signed with Derbi to take on the next 1984 World Championship in the new 80 cc category. <\/p>\n In the first Grand Prix of that year\u2019s World Championship, held in Misano, Tormo retired while running in second place and could not finish the race. The next Grand Prix was at the Jarama circuit. Before that round, Tormo visited the Derbi factory in Mollet, where he was asked to test the mechanical improvements made to his bike. The test took place in the Martorellas industrial estate (Barcelona), near the Derbi factory. On April 24, 1984, Ricardo collided with a car that was driving through the area. <\/p>\n As a result of the accident, Tormo shattered his right leg and saw his chances of returning to the track cut short. This also forced him to undergo an endless succession of surgical operations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” delay=”250″][image_with_animation image_url=”1144″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” el_class=”w-full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”70px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” constrain_group_1=”yes” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”section-block only–bottom” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” top_margin_phone=”40″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”1145″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” el_class=”w-full”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” sticky_content=”true” sticky_content_functionality=”css” sticky_content_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” delay=”250″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default” max_width=”680″ el_class=”text-base”]From then on, Ricardo Tormo remained connected to the world of two wheels, especially by helping young, talented riders. He also took part in initiatives related to road safety education. In 1994, he was awarded the highest distinction of the Generalitat Valenciana<\/a>. Previously, he had received the Gold Medal for Motorcycling Merit from the RFME<\/a> and the Gold and Diamonds Badge of Valencia Club de F\u00fatbol<\/a>. <\/p>\n On December 27, 1998, a few days after the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana was presented to motorcycle racing fans at the Palau Luis Puig, Ricardo Tormo died in Valencia from leukemia.<\/p>\nRicardo Tormo<\/em><\/h2>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][nectar_responsive_text inherited_font_style=”h3″ text_direction=”default”]\n
A life dedicated to motorcycling<\/h3>\n[\/nectar_responsive_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][nectar_video_lightbox link_style=”nectar-button” nectar_button_color=”Default-Extra-Color-2″ video_url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=skg4eylN1iY” link_text=”PLAY VIDEO”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”section-block only–top” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
Racing career<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”70px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” constrain_group_1=”yes” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” class=”section-block only–bottom” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” sticky_content=”true” sticky_content_functionality=”css” sticky_content_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” animation_easing=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default” max_width=”680″ el_class=”text-base”]Ricardo Tormo Blaya made his debut in competition in the early 1970s. Even before he had a license to ride the bikes he raced, the young Tormo competed on the streets of towns across Valencia. His first race was in Cullera, in November 1970, where he finished second. After initial family reluctance, the young Tormo took his first victory in Guadassuar in 1972. <\/p>\n