Angel Nieto established Spain as a motorcycling force with 13 World Championships, 90 Grand Prix wins and 139 podiums, in the 50cc, 80cc and 125cc classes over a 19 year period from 1967 to 1986.
Nieto’s sheer dominance in the smaller classes mean that his achievements regularly place him up with the likes of Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi, Mike Hailwood and Phil Read as one of the finest and most skilful riders ever to have graced the World Championship.
With six World titles in the 50cc class and seven on 125cc machinery, Nieto also holds the unusual record of earning most titles with the different manufacturers - five in total, including Derbi, Bultaco, Garelli, Minarelli and Kreidler.
Added to his Grand Prix success Nieto gained Spanish Championships in every conceivable class from 50cc up to 750cc. His easy character and joviality made him a popular figure and encapsulated the cavalier spirit that defined the sport in the late 1960s and '70s.
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