Scotland's Robert Wilson will represent Belgian outfit

Belgian clean emissions racing team Saroléa Racing has today confirmed that they will participate in the 2014 SES TT Zero Challenge. Scotland's Robert Wilson, who made his TT debut in 2011, will represent the team at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

The historic Motorcycle brand, which will also compete in the FIM eRoad-Racing World Cup, was Belgium's first Motorcycle brand when it was established in 1850.  The team has always put a strong emphasis on racing to advance its technology, a tradition that has continued with the 2014 Saroléa SP7.

Designed and built in Belgium, the SP7 motorcycle showcases the company's latest developments in technology. The bike is built up around the innovative carbon fibre monotube chassis and its ultra efficient axial flux motor.

During the design process the focus was on achieving a high power to weight ratio and on aerodynamic efficiency. Extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight alloys helped reduce the overall weight. The result is a very compact and agile motorcycle. Along with technical partners Bridgestone and Beta Tools, the team will focus on collecting data to further develop the bike.

Scotsman Wilson has recorded five top twenty finishes in his three year career including a highest placed thirteenth in the 2012 Monster Energy Supersport Race.  Belgian Thijs De Ridder, developer of the electric powertrain, will race for the team in the eRoadRacing World Cup and will also support the team at the TT Races.

Project Manager Torsten Robbens will lead the Saroléa Racing campaign.  Under his guidance, the SP7 will undergo extensive track testing, prior to its race debut.

He commented: "The Isle of Man TT is the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. Its 37.73 Mile laps (approximately 60km) also make it the most challenging event for both rider and machine. The TT zero testing programme will focus on optimising the race strategy and aerodynamic efficiency. The combination of the TT Zero challenge and the FIM world cup represents a really ambitious racing programme for us."

A motorcycle adventure for children in need – with Touratech-equipped bikes

"These bikes surpass all our expectations. The equipment and the look are spot on, and the ride is smooth as butter." Claudia and Mirko Nagler were "on cloud nine" when presented with their motorcycles – provided by Suzuki and equipped by Touratech – at the season launch party held at Touratech headquarters in Niedereschach/Germany. In May, they are embarking on the world's first adventure ride with the new V-Strom 1000.

Two motorcycles, 45,000 km, 18 countries – through North, Central and South America. Claudia and Mirko Nagler expect to take between 12 and 18 months to complete their journey. From New York, they will set off towards Canada, then ride down the west coast until they reach Tierra del Fuego, before continuing on to Brazil. Apart from seeing something of the world and experiencing different cultures, the couple – both native Dortmunders – want to make a positive difference.

Claudia and Mirko are calling their project "2AR – a challenge to support kids in South America". (2AR stands for "2 Auf Reisen", or "two people on one journey".) They want 2AR to attract attention, persuading people to get involved and do something for a good cause, while also raising awareness for important social projects.

Suzuki International Europe and Touratech are supporting this motorcycle adventure to benefit children in need in Latin America. Suzuki has provided two new V-Strom 1000 bikes, and Touratech has kitted out the bikes for long-distance touring – with headlight protectors, fairing crash bars, auxiliary lights, sat-nav holder bars, GD hand protectors with spoiler, extra power sockets, tank bags, engine guard panels, pannier racks and ZEGA Pro panniers (31 and 45 litres), long-distance foot pegs, aluminium luggage racks, rackpacks, heated grips, Heidenau K 50 tyres, Scottoiler chain lubrication system, plus specially made decals on the panniers and bodywork. Breathable seats, handlebar bags and crash bar bags will be added. Compañero motorcycle suits in a matching design, sponsored by Stadler, and Nolan X-lite X-551 helmets with communication system complete the equipment.

"We are delighted that we were able to work with Touratech on this project," said Jan Hendrik Breckwoldt, motorcycle and ATV sales manager at Suzuki International Europe GmbH, during the official handover. "The motorbikes look absolutely superb." Touratech sales manager Martin Wickert, who presented the accessories that were developed for the bikes, thanked Suzuki for their fantastic support. He added that Touratech had worked on these motorcycles for about three months, and was pretty pleased with the results.

 "We have immense confidence in these motorbikes. They are lightweight, strong and handle really well," say a delighted Claudia and Mirko as they look forward to their journey.

More information about the project is available here

70’s superstar drummer Don Powell founder member of SLADE will be with us at the BMF May Show!

Having raised funds for the National Autistic Society at last year’s Kelso Bikefest (and because he had such a great time) Don has agreed to join us at the BIG ONE – May’s BMF Show 16-18 Peterborough Arena.

Don will be on site all through the weekend and will once again be asking people to support the good work of the NAS and later into the evening he’ll be picking up those famous drum sticks and putting in some ‘guest’ appearances with the bands on the main stage on Friday and Saturday evening.

For more information about any of the BMF shows visit www.thebmfshow.co.uk. Or talk to the show organisers, The Mulberry Group, on 01869 277077.

Spaniard Augusto Fernandez won today’s second-round European Junior Cup race at Assen in the Netherlands, leading from first corner to chequered flag to narrow the lead at the top of the 2014 championship.

Fernandez is second in a Spanish 1-2-3 at the top of the table with Marc Miralles leading the way after finishing in third place in today’s six-lap race at the 4.542km Assen circuit, adding to his first round win at Aragon in Spain two weeks ago. Javier Orellana could finish only eighth today, but still sits in championship third position.

In damp conditions in Assen, which followed disruption to the schedule following a heavily-delayed second World Superbike championship race, Jesper Hubner finished in second place today. The Swedish rider is just one point behind Orellana in the table.

Podium finisher in Aragon, Mika Perez, was one of several riders who fell victim to today’s wet conditions but local Dutch wildcard, Ricardo Brink, finished in a creditable fourth place, while his fellow Dutchman and the second Assen wildcard, Jamie van Sikkelerus, rounded out the top ten.

“It was a difficult weekend,” said Fernandez after the race. “I started from sixth place on the grid but my start was OK. I was a bit nervous but went into the first corner in the lead. I thought I could push, but I had to concentrate very hard. I’m very happy with this win, though, and I look forward to Imola.”

2014 European Junior Cup, powered by Honda Racing

Round 2: Assen, Netherlands - race result:

1 Augusto Fernandez (ESP)

2 Jesper Hubner (SWE)

3 Marc Miralles (ESP)

4 Ricardo Brink (NED)

5 Hannes Soomer (EST)

6 Paolo Grassia (ITA)

7 Connor London (NZL)

8 Javier Orellana (ESP)

9 Alex Wisdom (USA)

10 Jamie van Sikkelerus

Championship points after two of eight rounds:

Miralles 41, Fernandez 38, Orellana 28, Hubner 27, Soomer 20, Grassia 18, Perez 16, Angelo Licciardi (BEL) 14, London 14, Brink 13.

Next race: Imola, Italy – 9-11 May

Sam Lowes finished the Gran Premio Red Bull de la República Argentina Moto2 race in eighth place today after starting from 22nd on the grid.

Sam showed optimism, true grit and determination to improve and build on the difficulties the Moto2 rookie and his team has encountered since arriving in Argentina.

Storming through the warm-up session he finished in P5 and was just 0.25 seconds off the lead rider. In the race he made his way through the field and by lap-15 was with the top ten riders, and firmly in the points. With just five laps left the reigning World Supersport Champion had settled into eighth position, where he finished the race.

Sam’s result from today sees him in tenth place in the overall rider standings, with 18 points in his debut Moto2 season.

The next round of the Moto2 Championship takes place next weekend (2-4 May) with the series heading to Europe for the Gran Premio bwin de España in Jerez, Spain. The Spanish circuit will be familiar ground for the young Brit and the first circuit of the year he has ridden at before.

It was a hard race and a difficult weekend overall with the bike settings, but I improved a lot in the warm up. The race was always going to be hard starting from 22nd, but I’m so happy to finish eighth and have shown we have good potential when everything is right. Jerez is up next and the first circuit of the year I know so I’m excited to race there again. Thanks to everyone for the support!