At the conclusive moment of a thrilling season rich with victories, the Motorcycle GP winners' stand was draped with Dainese colours.
In front of one and all - in his nonchalant fashion - stood Valentino Rossi: a gigantic hero nonetheless.
The Tavullia ace won his ninth race of the year in Valencia to match his 2003 season record and prove once again that he is the strongest and give the lie to those who say the bike counts more than the man (and especially when the man's name is Valentino).
Honda or Yamaha, whatever bike he rides, Doctor Rossi has laid down the law again, paid his dues with the past and won another challenge.
Beside him on the second step of the winner's stand stood Max Biaggi in proud witness of the fact that he's in full gear and ready to fight, and fight to win.
There in Valencia, Max threw the gauntlet for the 2005 season down at Valentino's feet: next season he'll be competing astride an official Honda HRC team bike.
A charged-up Troy Bayliss took the third position to raise the red colours of Borgo Panigale high after his final race in the saddle of his beloved Desmosedici.
The 2004 season ended in the same way it began: Valentino and Max standing on the top of the world already thinking of next year's spectacle that will surely keep the Dainese colours flying high.
The party was brought to a close by the umpteenth show of force by merciless Dani Pedrosa, who takes no prisoners and won his own race to the top with decision and authority.
Now a feverish season of negotiations and market dealings awaits the Motorcycle Grand Prix as next year's competition approaches with the victories, close curves, controversy, and emotions it will inevitably bring to Dainese pilots and fans!