24-year-old David Philippaerts has been crowned motocross world champion in the MX1 class.
The Monster Yamaha team rider finished the final races in third place for race one, and ninth place for race two, but the overall ranking was important.
Philippaerts finished with 509 points in the ranking after three victories and 13 podiums, with Belgian Steve Ramon and Suzuki finishing second with 495 points.
In third place on 490 points was Ken De Dycker (Belgian too), who also rides a Suzuki.
David Philippaerts was born in Pietrasant in Tuscany, whose first victory was as Italian champion in the 125cc class in 2003.
He finished third in the Mx2 championship in 2006, and in the two latest seasons raced in the highest class, finishing sixth in 2007.