Aleix Espargaró
A gritty MotoGP veteran who became the heart of Aprilia's revival, then swapped asphalt for pedals in a stunning second sporting act.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Spanish motorcycle racer·Birthday: July 30·Millennials
Biography
Aleix Espargaró's career is a study in resilience. Emerging from the shadow of his younger brother Pol, he spent over a decade as a respected journeyman, plugging away on uncompetitive machines. His defining chapter began in 2017 when he joined the struggling Aprilia factory team. There, he became the project's emotional and technical cornerstone, his relentless feedback and gritty performances instrumental in transforming the bike from a backmarker into a race winner. His 2022 victory at the Circuito de Jerez – Aprilia's first in the premier class in the modern era – was a cathartic moment, the reward for years of steadfast belief. In a move that stunned the sporting world, he retired from MotoGP at the end of 2024, only to immediately launch a professional cycling career with the Lidl-Trek team, proving his athletic drive transcends two wheels of a different kind.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aleix was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aleix Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Aleix's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Secured Aprilia's first MotoGP victory in the modern era with a win at the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix.
- Captured the 2004 FIM CEV 125cc International Championship, launching his Grand Prix career.
- Served as the central development rider for Aprilia's MotoGP project from 2017, leading its competitive turnaround.
- Made a historic transition to professional road cycling with the UCI WorldTeam Lidl-Trek in 2025.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow MotoGP rider Pol Espargaró.
His 2024 MotoGP retirement race was at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, the same track where he won the 2004 CEV title.
He is known for his extremely rigorous physical training regimen, which eased his shift to cycling.
Espargaró once stated he would have become a carpenter if he hadn't succeeded in motorcycle racing.
“I have given everything to Aprilia and they have given everything to me. Now I need a new dream.”
