Jacques Cornu, a former motorcycle racer who was among Switzerland's top riders in the 1980s, has died at the age of 72 following a long illness.
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Cornu, a native of Neuchâtel, made his mark in the 250cc class of the motorcycle world championship, where he competed against some of the sport's top riders despite beginning his career with limited resources. Early in his career, he drew attention with a second-place finish at the 1984 Dutch Grand Prix in Assen while racing as a privateer.
He later joined a factory-backed effort in 1985 and went on to achieve his greatest success in the late 1980s. Cornu won two Grands Prix during the 1988 season, in France and Austria, and finished third overall in the championship standings. He matched that result in 1989, earning another victory at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Over the course of his career, Cornu competed in 116 Grands Prix and recorded 21 podium finishes.
He also claimed multiple Swiss national titles in various categories and won the endurance world championship in 1982 alongside Jean-Claude Chemarin.
After retiring from competition in 1990, Cornu remained active in the sport, sharing his experience through rider training programs aimed at improving safety and technique.
Known for his resilience throughout a career often interrupted by injuries, Cornu remained involved in his local community and media in later years.
