Cheshire’s Connor Behan will step up to the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, having agreed a deal to continue his relationship with KMR Kawasaki. The 21-year old will contest the 4-lap Monster Energy Supersport Races and the 3-lap bikesocial.co.uk Lightweight event on Kawasaki machinery.

The Northwich rider enjoyed an excellent year with KMR Kawasaki in 2013, his first full season on the roads. Clearly benefitting from the expert tutelage of team boss Ryan Farquhar, Behan took a superb second place in the Manx Grand Prix Newcomers A Race, where he also set the fastest lap of the race at an impressive 115.139mph.

Having made his public road race debut at the Southern 100 in 2011, taking sixth in the 400cc race, he contested a full season of racing in the 2013 Irish Junior and Senior Support Championships for KMR, ending the year in second overall in each series. The season saw him take no less than three wins and countless podiums in his debut year with victories coming at Cookstown, Armoy and Killalane. Indeed, he only missed out on the Junior Support title by five points.

Prior to his fledgling road race career, Behan was a leading light on the short circuits, most notably in the National 600cc Superstock and British 125cc Championships. With a win and three podiums, the youngster took third overall in the 2011 600cc series, after placing seventh the year before, and he also achieved fifth and seventh places in the 2008 and 2009 125cc series.

Commenting on his 2014 TT Races debut Connor Behan said: "I really enjoyed my first experience of racing on the Mountain Course at last year's Manx Grand Prix and I couldn't have a better mentor than Ryan Farquhar for racing at the TT. I'm just looking to build on what I learnt last year and to give a good account of myself and repay the faith that Ryan's shown in me."

Tickets are now on sale and selling fast for the 2014 TT Races. Glencrutchery Road Grandstand race day tickets are sold out but there are still TT Fan Zone Grandstand tickets available at Ballacrye, Creg Ny Baa and Nobles Park during practice and race days. Grandstand tickets are also available by purchasing VIP or Platinum Hospitality tickets. All tickets are available from www.iomtt.com or by phoning 00 44 (0)1624 640000.

THE ALL-ITALIAN DUO THAT WILL TAKE ON WORLD SUPERBIKE ESTABLISHES ITSELF AT PORTIMAO 

Portimao, 20 January 2014 - The Portuguese Portimao track was the setting for the first tests of the season held by Aprilia Racing, the reigning Manufacturer World Champion team, concentrated on three days of testing with newcomer Marco Melandri, working side by side with test rider Alex Hofmann.

For the rider from Ravenna, the natural candidate for a key role in the World Championship that will start on 23 February in Australia, this was the first contact with his Aprilia RSV4 since the winter break. After regaining some familiarity with it, Marco focused on preparing for the first race of the season. Despite difficult weather conditions, with rain on the first two days and an average of low temperatures, the Italian team was able to take advantage of the session to fine tune the bike that is the reigning Manufacturer world champion.

The intermittent rain on the first two days of testing forced the riders to lap in less than optimum conditions. The third and final day, on the other hand, allowed everyone to push hard, with the obvious limit of a track which was cold and not very rubberised.

Over the three days Melandri put in 175 laps with a best time of 1'43.1.

Sylvain Guintoli was absent from the Portimao tests, having just come through the second operation on his right shoulder which he injured last year. The return of the French rider, who is going through physical therapy, is expected for the first race at Phillip Island. The Superbike Test Team was also in the Aprilia garage with test rider Alex Hofmann (150 laps, best 1'45.0).

Marco Melandri: "Considering the difficult weather conditions, the first two days were a bit wasted. The last day was a particular day. We made a lot of progress with the electronics but we had a few problems with the chassis set up. The track improved little by little and the settings had trouble coping. Toward the end of the test we began to figure out which direction to go for my riding style, but it's a shame that we lost the last half hour (due to oil on the track - editor's note) where we could have tried to put in a fast lap. I'm disappointed about that but the good thing is that we have a clearer idea now. I hope we can get back onto the track for some more testing before the first round at Phillip Island".

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Manager: "During these three days first of all we decided on the 2014 suspension which was one of our goals. Melandri was also positive about the electronics updates, where the chassis set up is concerned there is still work to be done to adapt the RSV4 to the rider's needs. We're on the right path but we still need to take that final step to define a base set up that will allow us to take best advantage of the bike-rider package".

With the winter season in full swing, Dainese’s range of Gore-Tex and D-Dry jackets, gloves and boots are the perfect option for warmth and protection against the elements. All items feature Dainese’s unrivalled protection, while retaining the Italian style and design the brand is known for.

Carve Master GORE-TEX®

The Carve Master GORE-TEX® is the ultimate in protection against the cold and wet weather. The jacket is made from Dainese’s ‘Mugello fabric’, which is designed to provide superb resistance to wear and tear is made in micro nylon and elastomer fabric. The protective properties of the fabric mean it is water repellent and allows for quick drying in-between showers or overnight. Comfort is ensured with a breathable waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane, front and rear air vents and a removable thermal liner. It also features wrist adjustment, waist adjustment and a jacket-trouser fastening system. The Carve Master GORE-TEX® is available in sizes 44-64, in a variety of colours and priced at £389.99.

D-Stormer D-Dry

The D-Stormer D-Dry jacket offers superb protection against wet weather. The external fabric has been treated to provide unrivalled water resistance and drying time is minimal due to its quickdry material. It has a removable liner with a breathable waterproof D-Dry membrane and if the temperature rises it has a removable thermal liner. There’s a pocket for a G1/G2 back protector, reflective inserts and multiple pockets to keep valuables secure when out on the road. The D-Stormer D-Dry jacket is available in sizes 44-66, in a variety of colours and priced at £349.99.

Temporale D-Dry Lady

Designed specifically to fit a female frame the Temporale D-Dry Lady offers comfort, functionality and all-round weather protection. It has a breathable waterproof D-Dry membrane, removal thermal liner and air inlets on the chest and sides. Offering excellent ergonomics, the Temporale is made from elasticated Cordura Comfort with adjusters on the collar, cuffs, sleeves, waist, as well as a jacket-trouser fastening system. The jacket is completed with removable composite protectors, back protector pocket and reflective inserts. The Temporale D-Dry Lady is available in sizes 40-52, in a variety of colours and priced at £289.99.

Long Range C2 D-WP

The Long Range boot has been developed for touring riders in search of substance and quality. Made from cowhide leather it features nylon inserts on the malleolus and a TPU insert across the shin, it has a waterproof D-WP interior and a zip/Velcro fastening for ease of use. Comfort is ensured with the use of elastic inserts to ensure good movement of the foot both on and off a motorcycle. The boot is also fully CE Certified to CE-Cat. II – EN 13634/2010 standard. The Long Range is available in sizes 30-50 and priced at £154.99.

Travelguard GORE-TEX®

The Travelguard GORE-TEX® gloves keep hands warm and dry with a host of temperature control features including a breathable waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane and Thermal Dexfil padding, without compromising on handlebar control. The gloves are made from elasticated fabric with the palm in Amica Suede and reinforced in goatskin. Other features include a tightening strap, adjustable cuff and pre-curved fingers. The Travelguard GORE-TEX® gloves are available in sizes XXS-XXL and priced at £89.99.

For more information or to find a local dealer visit Dainese.com

Sales, revenue and the number of employees increased strongly again.

•Sales: 123,859 units (+ 15.6%)
•Revenue: 716.3 mio. EUR ( +17.0%)
•Employees: 1,849 (+150 employees compared to prior year)
Mattighofen, January 17 , 2014

2013 was a record year in KTM’s history. Sales, revenue and the number of employees increased again strongly. 


Sales and revenue on record level 

By consequently implementing the global product strategy and the expansion in the growth markets Asia and South America, KTM increased both sales and revenue and achieved a record year in 2013. 


Therefore, KTM is the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the world for already three years.


In the business year 2013, KTM sold 123,859 bikes worldwide and could therefore increase sales by 15.6% compared to previous year. Revenue could be increased in the same period by 17.0% to 716.3 mio. EUR. Therefore, KTM expects a record result for the business year 2013. 


Record employment at the headquarter in Mattighofen
As of December 31 , 1,849 people were employed at the KTM group 
worldwide, which is a record employment. To further realize the global growth, KTM’s headcount was increased by 150 people in the business year 2013. 


Outlook 2014 

KTM will continue to follow the global product strategy and expects further increases in revenue and sales for the business year 2014.

Ace Cafe London is delighted to be able to confirm attendance, with stand and display celebrating cafe racers and speed, at the forthcoming annual Motorbike Expo Verona 24th - 26th January.

This not to be missed mid-winter show attracts thousands of riders checking out the new bikes, trends and gear on display in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and this year includes a special "Cafe Racer" display as well as many award ceremonies for Italy's 2013 championship plus an outdoor arena featuring stunt shows, demonstrations and demo rides.

The Ace presence and display at the Verona Fiere includes with Red Torpedo, sponsors of the Isle of Man TT's road racing "Red Riders", amongst whom is the "Ramsey Rocket" Conor Cummins, who will be joining us at the show! Mondocorse will also be flying the flag for IoM.

Unique motorcycles displayed include from Brough Superior, with Mark Upham, CEO of Brough Superior Motorcycles Ltd on hand to answer your questions, two wheeled Triumph Specials from Italy's renowned "Mr Martini", Ace bikes and an array of Ace Cafe, Rockers and StoMoCo items, together with the all new Ace 75th Bookazine and the recently published and critically acclaimed seminal book "Ace Times - Speed thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture" by author Mick Duckworth.

Mark Wilsmore will be available to sign copies of the books - stop by and say hello

Hall: 1
Stand No. 8R

www.motorbikeexpo.it
www.mrmartini.it
www.cinehollywood.com
www.brough-superior.com
www.redtorpedo.com
www.ace-cafe-london.com