First Triumph victory in the Sportbike World Championship: Bruno Ieraci rose to the occasion

Having enjoyed success in the national sportbike series, Triumph was considered a hot favourite for the title in its debut World Championship season, but initially it was Kawasaki and Suzuki who dominated proceedings. It was not until Most, the third round of the season, that the Triumph riders really got into their stride.

Bruno Ieraci secured the first podium finish with the Daytona 660 in the second race in the Czech Republic, and it was the 25-year-old who also clinched the first victory a week ago at the Misano World Circuit. Yet the Italian’s participation in his home race was far from certain, as he had dislocated his left shoulder in a crash during the first race at Aragon.

“I don’t consider myself 100 per cent fit,” Ieraci said with a smile. “Before the first practice session, I hadn’t even touched my bike ahead of the weekend. Because of the pain, I hadn’t been lifting weights or doing any other sports. Now the pain has mostly subsided, but I don’t feel like the same Bruno when I’m riding through left-hand bends. I’m not 100 per cent fit there yet, but if I’ve managed to win, the shoulder is at least good enough!”

Ieraci rides for the CM Racing team, which enjoys factory status and with whom he won the Italian Sportbike Series in 2025 (8 wins, 11 podium finishes in 13 races). The World Championship victory in front of his compatriots was a particular source of satisfaction given the circumstances.

“The race was fantastic. I’m really happy,” emphasised Ieraci. “Two weeks ago in Aragon, I dislocated my left shoulder, couldn’t compete in the second race and lost championship points as a result. Now I’m glad I’ve recovered from that injury and won at Misano in front of my home crowd just two weeks later. I’m really happy; it moves me deeply. The team did a really good job, and I’m very grateful to them.”