In cricket, when a batsmen crossing the magical 100-run mark, they celebrate by acknowledging the applause of the crowd by holding the bat up to say “Thank You!”. But what do you do when instead of a bat, you have a superbike in your hands???
Well, ask a stupid question… Of course he raised the bike!!!
Not just that, did some donuts as well, for the benefit of the crowd. Now that’s not something you would expect from a cricketer. He also went on to unveil a large photo-montage of his career in the world of motorcycle racing. But then, this isn’t cricket that we are talking about. This is something a but more strenuous - we are talking about MotoGP.
And to hit a century of wins and dominate the competition as Valentino Rossi has in the last decade, is no easy feat by any stretch of imagination.
It was an incredible moment when the crowd at Assen were treated to the immaculate skills of Rossi who crossed over the finishing line to complete his 100th MotoGP win. A nostalgic Rossi looked back upon his life and career that began in the 125cc category, many years ago.
“the first victory was after 11 or 12 races I think, in Brno. This is for sure one of the greatest moments because the first victory was something unforgettable. I had just one victory in 1996 but it was not bad for a rookie.”
The 2001 season was especially memorable after Rossi won 11 races in the season to grab his third World Championship title. It was a memorable year and the first race of the season at Suzuka, Japan, would highlight the skill and poise that the young Rossi would display in taking the win and the title in the coming races. He fondly remembers the moments as he took pictures alongside Mick Doohan and Franco Uncini, images that are forever framed in his mind. 
After a lot of controversy at the end of 2003, when Honda claimed that the bike was better than the rider, Rossi moved to Yamaha for 2004, and as if to just put across the point that it was, and always had been, Rossi who had brought Honda laurels, he won the championship title again. Rossi’s back-to-back premier class race wins with two different manufacturers was a first time occurrence while his title that year was only the second time ever that any rider had won back-to-back titles with two different manufacturers.
“in 2004, I moved to Yamaha and I think my 60th win is the best one because to win on my debut with Yamaha was unbelievable and very exciting.”
2008 was a year of many changes for the Italian, including shifting to Bridgestone tyres as well as some wonderful helmet designs that came out for Rossi. “After Mugello, with a fantastic helmet, there was Laguna Seca and a great battle with Casey Stoner where I overtook him on the Corkscrew corner and that was the turning point of the year.”
Catalunya 2009 saw Lorenzo take the fight to the end to Rossi and the Doctor, as Valentino is called, said, “the 99th was an unbelievable battle with Jorge Lorenzo at Catalunya with a great overtaking maneuver move on the last lap. So then we arrive at the end, and Assen, 100 victories, not too bad!”
Not too bad at all Mr. Rossi… Not too bad at all!!!