Giacomo Agostini: Life and career in pictures

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Giacomo Agostini celebrates his 78th birthday today (June 16) so there’s no better time to reflect on the Italian’s illustrious career.

Thanks to Mortons Archive, here’s a collection of rare photographs chronicling a career which saw him win a record 15 world championships and 122 motorcycle grand prix.

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At the 1965 350cc Isle of Man TT, Phil Read leads Giacomo Agostini on MV. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

Senior TT 1965, first lap Giacomo Agostini on the works MV Agusta at the Creg
In the first lap of the 1965 Senior TT, Agostini is pictured on the works MV Agusta at the Creg. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

Giacomo Agostini on a 350cc MV3 at Mallory Park in September 1966
Agostini on a 350cc MV3 at Mallory Park in September 1966. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

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Giacomo Agostini chooses a seat for his 350SS, at the 1966 motorcycle show.
Giacomo Agostini chooses a seat for his 350SS, at the 1966 motorcycle show. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

Ready for the off on the start line of the 1967 Senior TT, Agostini.
Agostini on the start line of the 1967 Senior TT. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

1967 Senior TT - Giacomo Agostini 500 MV Agusta-3 at Bray Hill
At the 1967 Senior TT, Giacomo Agostini 500 MV Agusta-3 at Bray Hill. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

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1967 Ulster GP - 1 Ralph Bryans 297cc Honda 6 - 9 Giacomo Agostini 350cc MV 3
Ralph Bryans on a 297cc Honda 6 leads Giacomo Agostini on a 350cc MV 3 at the 1967 Ulster GP. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

Mallory Park Post TT 1968, what a line-up! Front row from left to right Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Rod Gould, Giacomo Agostini and John Cooper. Also on the star studded grid are Pat Mahoney, Percy Tait, Percy May, Barry Randle, Brian Ball, Rex Butcher and, partially hidden behind Ago, Ray Pickrell.

 

The ultimate and imperious pairing, Giacomo Agostini and the MV Agusta. This is a 350cc version, at the 1968 Ulster GP.
The ultimate and imperious pairing, Giacomo Agostini and the MV Agusta. This is a 350cc version, at the 1968 Ulster GP. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

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Images used by Lewis Leathers - Giacomo Agostini chats with Mike Hailwood (seated No. 1) on a 500cc Seeley, No. 44 Ken Redfern (745 Domiracer), No. 22 John Cooper (500cc Seeley) at Mallory Park 21st September 1969
Giacomo Agostini chats with Mike Hailwood on a 500cc Seeley, No. 44 Ken Redfern, No. 22 John Cooper at Mallory Park in September 1969. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

Surely one of the most iconic TT shots, captured by the camera of Nick Nicholls, Italian legend Giacomo Agostini crests the rise at the foot of bray Hill which was forever after know as Ago's Leap.
One of the most iconic TT shots, Agostini crests the rise at the foot of Bray Hill which was forever after known as Ago’s Leap. Copyright: Mortons Archive

 

 

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