Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

Aiden

T hree races left in the season and Emerson has won the Moto 2 championship. If Elias wins the next race, he will be crowned Moto 3 champion. As for me? Well, if I win this year, it’s not going to be decided until the last race. The points are that close between the top three racers.

I’ll be doing a press conference today to announce my retirement. I’ve heard the speculation going around, the reporters talking. It’s still hard to believe that it’s time.

“Are you ready?” élodie asks me, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“I think so.”

“You know you can change your mind. Nothing is set in stone.”

“I know. But it’s time. I know it’s time, it’s just hard to close this chapter of my life.”

I wrap my arms around my wife.

“Let’s do this. Time to pass the torch to our sons.”

I take élodie’s hand and we walk out of my trailer to head to the press room. My crew is in the room along with our family. The head reporter for MotoGP, Markus, announces my press conference. I kiss élodie and head up to the table.

“Thank you all for coming today. I know there’s been a lot of speculation about my press conference today. I am officially retiring from competition after the last race this season.”

The room starts getting louder with reporters trying to ask questions.

“Aiden will be answering questions after he finishes his announcement,” Markus says.

“Thank you. My retirement isn’t something I decided without sadness. This sport has been a huge part of my life. But it’s time I pass my legacy onto my sons. You’ve all been watching my boys Emerson and Elias competing this year. I’m so proud to be their da. It’s now time for me to step back to support them and help them become the champions I know they will be. I want to thank everyone for all your support these years. Even if you didn’t always cheer me on.”

Everyone in the room laughs.

“My crew, my manager, my family. You’ve all lifted me up when I needed it most. And to my wife, élodie, who’s been there for me through the good and the bad. I’m a lucky Irishman to have her in my life. Thank you again to everyone.”