Triumph Motorcycles is the latest winner of the prestigious Torrens Trophy. The award was presented to Triumph staff during a glittering event last night at London’s Royal Automobile Club.
 
The Torrens Trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers, and important personalities within these worlds – since the 1970s.
 
Former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2023 Torrens Trophy to Triumph for its amazing work in the Moto2^TM World Championship, motorcycling’s number two grand prix series. The company has provided engines for the entire Moto2 grid for the past five seasons, proving to the world that its engineering and technology can thrive in arguably the toughest bike racing series of them all”.
 
Moto2 is the final stepping stone towards MotoGP – the Formula 1 of motorcycling – so the 32-rider grid is packed with hungry young talents who will let nothing stand in their way as they fight their way to the top of one of the world’s most challenging sports.

It doesn’t really need to be said that these riders demand everything and more from their engines, which must therefore be capable of surviving serious abuse. During Triumph Racing's five years in Moto2 its three-cylinder 765 engines have covered more than one million kms, achieving 95 race and outright lap records, enabling 21 different riders to win a Moto2™ race.
 
Surely no other motorcycle engine has had such a tough time over the last half-decade! And yet the Triumph 765 has shone throughout, providing superb performance – nudging 190mph at MotoGP’s fastest tracks.
 
Triumph Racing has thus done a great service to the MotoGP paddock and to the Triumph name, proving that a renowned brand has risen again to prove itself at the very forefront of high-performance motorcycling.
 
Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO added: “This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team. Our world-class engineers are always looking at new ways to enhance the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, from shorter race times to faster top speeds, which has contributed to closer, even more exciting, racing.  

“Moto2 is also an excellent platform to showcase the durability, reliability and class-leading performance of our 765 triple engines on the road. Over the last five years we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements and gain insights that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our new Street Triple 765 range, which has successfully driven demand and sales across the world. It’s a partnership that we are excited to be continuing until 2029.”
 
First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire for more than three decades, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance. With 86,653 motorcycles delivered in calendar year 2023, Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer.
 
It’s been a remarkable story of courage and commitment, combined with superb engineering and brilliant knowledge of the marketplace.
 
The reborn company enjoyed its first significant racetrack success when Jim Moodie won the 2003 Isle of Man Junior TT aboard a race-prepped Triumph Daytona road bike. It was the brand’s first TT victory since a Triumph Trident road bike won the 1975 production TT.

Since then, the company’s machines have won other important international successes, including the USA’s hugely prestigious Daytona 200-mile race.
 
Triumph’s five Moto2 champions since 2019 are Alex Marquez, Enea Bastianini, Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. Four of these riders will be in MotoGP this year and almost half the current MotoGP grid has scored grands prix victories on Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes – another massive testament to the power of Triumph.
 
This year Triumph Racing will also enter the motocross world championships for the first time, while also attacking the hugely popular American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.

Previous Torrens Trophy winners

• 2022 Mike Trimby, for his tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.
• 2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
• 2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
• 2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
• 2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
• 2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
• 2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
• 2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
• 2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
• 2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
• 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
• 1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
• 1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
• 1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
• 1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
• 1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.

The Torrens Trophy
The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world.  The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947.  The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles. 
 
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
 
The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.

The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons, double World Champion and past Torrens winner James Toseland, well-respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Robert Bourne (son of motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne, in whose memory the Trophy is awarded) and Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
 
About the Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
 
The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.

Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including the Club’s London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
 
The Club also awards a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport, the Tourist Trophy.

 

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Sunday 28th January
9am – 5pm
 
This year’s annual Australia Day, held at the cafe on Sunday 28th January 2024, is set to be a fair dinkum occasion and includes Australian tucker on the cafe’s “Specials” menu.
 
So hop along in your Holden Monaro’s, Ford Falcon’s and Chrysler Royals and Valiant’s to meet Skippy and friends!
 
Spot prizes are up for grabs on the day for the “Best Australian Car” &  “Best Dressed Aussie”
 
 
 See you at the Ace !

JACOPO CERUTTI, SECOND, STRENGTHENS HIS GRIP ON THE LEAD IN THE OVERALL STANDINGS OF THE AFRICA ECO RACE WITH FOUR LEGS LEFT TO REACH DAKAR

FRANCESCO MONTANARI CONTINUES TO ASTONISH, ONCE AGAIN THE LEADING ROOKIE, JUST MISSING ANOTHER LEG PODIUM

With just four legs left to reach the final destination of Dakar, Aprilia continues to battle at the top of the Africa Eco Race. At the end of almost 400 km of special trials tackled yesterday in segment number 8, the Aprilia Tuaregs ridden by Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari occupied second and fourth place respectively.

On the treacherous sand dunes of Mauritania, Cerutti and his Tuareg were once again protagonists, putting in an outstanding performance and battling with direct rivals, Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres, with whom he shared much of the route today, taking on some complicated navigation. The prestigious placement earned today allows him to increase his lead in the overall standings, with his closest adversary, Botturi, at a gap of 3’03, whereas Tarres is 22’22” behind.

With a splendid third place two days ago, his first leg podium in his first ever race in the African desert, Francesco Montanari was once again a protagonist in yesterday’s segment, finishing fourth and barely missing another sensational podium. This is an outstanding result that allows him to consolidate his sixth place in the overall standings - the best of the rookies.

Today, the riders will tackle the ninth leg, returning to the Amodjar bivouac after travelling 467 km, including 364 km of timed special trials.

For updates on all the news, follow the web page
www.aprilia.com/it_IT/aprilia-racing/aprilia-tuareg-rally/africa-eco-race/

JACOPO CERUTTI
“A complicated day, but one we came out of on a positive note! At the beginning we found rather soft sand dunes and I got stuck in the sand a couple of times. What’s more, I quickly found myself blazing the trail, having caught Botturi after just 15 km. At that point, identifying the right trail wasn’t simple, but in spite of this, I continued blazing the trail for practically the entire leg, even when Tarres caught us, all the way to the end.”

FRANCESCO MONTANARI
“This was a fantastic leg. In the first 80 km, we found a lot of sand and I found myself in difficulty on a couple occasions, but I managed to overcome quickly. After that, I navigated well and maintained a good pace. Towards the end, I tried to push a little harder, so I managed to arrive at the destination extremely close to the top three, which is truly satisfying, also because I always feel good on the bike

Embark on a European adventure on two wheels! Discover our concise guide to biking across Europe, your key to unforgettable cycling experiences.

Many kinds of transportation have been popular in Europe for a very long time. After working hard to make travel better, routes between places have gotten very fast and environmentally friendly. Speedy trains and buses connect countries, making it easy to get around.

Biking is a fun activity and sport in Europe that people of all ages enjoy. With sports betting becoming legal in more places, some people also like betting on professional bike races. But this guide is mostly about biking for fun and sightseeing, not bike sports.

Riding a bike is an important way for many Europeans to get around towns and cities. It also lets tourists see new countries in an exciting way. Biking offers a lot, from getting around faster to exploring nature trails. Here we will talk about what makes biking in Europe special and some of the top trails.

What About Biking in the Netherlands?

When biking in the Netherlands, learn this phrase: “Uitgezonderd fietsers”. It means “except for bicycles” and marks places where cars are not allowed but bikes can still go. As a cyclist, you can go almost anywhere.

Zandvoort has miles of beaches and beautiful seaside campsites. It also has bike routes through local villages and forests, perfect for mixing cycling with outdoor adventures. It brings you close to the North Sea, where the next major cycling route in Germany begins.

Can I Bike Through Germany?

The Elbe Cycle Path in Germany stretches 900km. It passes through major cities like Hamburg and Dresden before ending in the Czech Republic.

For city travel, Germany’s big cities are very bicycle-friendly. Berlin has wide roads and usually bike lanes. Bike rentals are also easy for visitors to find.

There are a few main categories of visitors to Germany: Members of the Schengen area and countries with special agreements. Then members of countries with more relaxed entry rules who can visit for 90 days.

Can I Bike Through Austria?

Austria’s capital Vienna is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe. Bike lanes are common within the city, and the flat terrain makes exploring easy, even for beginner bikers. In some places, you can rent bikes by the half hour, with a full day of riding costing around 15 euros.

With 1,660km of bike paths, Vienna is exciting to see by bike and simple to get around. You can easily travel along the Danube River, but the best biking in Austria is outside the city.

Austria is especially popular for mountain biking. Stattegg, Leogang, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are all popular mountain resorts for biking. If you want to experience both city and countryside biking, Austria has options for all interests.

What is Biking Like in France?

Rural France combines cycling and wine tours in a way few other countries can match. France's traditional old-world regions also make for beautiful, scenic rides. The Route Des Vins winds through vineyards and villages in Alsace. Whenever you need a break, there is usually a village or town nearby that makes a nice stopping point.

Riding in non-industrial areas helps avoid heavy traffic. If you want a famous challenging bike ride, head to Provence. A long uphill ride through vineyards and villages is difficult but rewarding.

Bike paths run throughout Paris and almost fully along the Seine River. This makes seeing the sights of Paris by bike easy for tourists. If you want to try cross-country cycling, Paris also connects to EuroVelo 3.

EuroVelo is a huge cycling network that started in 1995. Its goal is to promote cycling and connect regional and national bike routes across Europe. New additions are made to EuroVelo each year, with the aim of eventually connecting the whole continent.

EuroVelo Route 3 starts in Spain and enters France through the south. It then passes through Belgium.

What is Biking Like in Belgium?

Relative to its small size, Belgium has very diverse bike routes. Bokrijk park in Limburg offers unique cycling trails.

One section called Cycling Through Water has a carefully built path that lets you bike through the middle of a lake. Another section called Cycling Through the Trees is an elevated bike path 33 feet off the ground that rises above the forest. This gives a bird's eye view of the woods for brave cyclists.

For those interested in history over nature, Belgium has the Peace Cycle Route. This path goes through Ypres and many WWI historical sites and memorials. It explores Flanders Field itself and where the famous poem was written.

What is Biking Like in Spain?

Spain has a variety of cycling routes for all skill levels. A mix of mountain, hilly, and flat terrain offers options for beginners and experienced cyclists. To get away from cities, Spain has the Caminos Naturales.

Caminos Naturales are nature trails covering over 10,000km. Farmland, forests, and canals are all open and available to explore.

As mentioned before, EuroVelo Route 3 starts in Spain and goes to Norway. EuroVelo Route 8 also begins in Cadiz, Spain and travels through the Mediterranean, ending in Greece.  

The Sierra Nevada mountains are also a must-see. The rugged terrain is perfect for hiking, climbing, biking, and any outdoor activity. As one of the tallest points in Europe, it’s an amazing destination.

What About Biking in Portugal?

Portugal’s warm weather means the country rarely sees snow, except in the north. This allows excellent biking conditions year-round. Fall, winter and spring are ideal seasons, as summer can be too hot for cycling in some areas.

Portugal’s population is concentrated around Lisbon. The farther out you go, the fewer cars share the road, and the more scenic the backroads become. This makes for relaxing trips through rural villages.

If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss biking along the waterfront. 20km of bike lanes provide a nice short seaside ride.

Can I Bike Through Italy?  

Italy has plenty to see by bike. Riding through the Dolomites can easily become a multi-day mountain biking adventure. Charming cafes and villages along the way provide places to rest.

For coastal views, nothing beats cycling around the Italian lakes. They offer hundreds of kilometers of paths for short or long rides.

One thing to avoid is August. Italy is busy with tourists and August is one of the most crowded months. For more peaceful cycling, visit during the off-season when weather is still nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indian Motorcycle UK has strengthened its presence in the Reading / Berkshire area with the opening of a new official dealer, Rideworx – Indian Motorcycle Reading. Bringing America’s first motorcycle brand to the region with full sales and aftersales facilities, Indian Motorcycle Reading has issued an open invitation for all riders to join them on Saturday, January 26 as they open their doors to celebrate the new showroom.

Indian Motorcycle Reading guests will be welcomed to see the new facility, meet the team and view the Indian Motorcycle range alongside the clothing and accessory line-up. With classic models on display, a free buffet and drinks, everyone is welcome whether they ride an Indian Motorcycle or any other marque.  

Ryan Leadbetter, Director of Indian Motorcycle Reading said, “The whole team is super excited about joining the Indian Motorcycle network. For me, it’s the perfect fit. I love big cruisers, customs and the social side that makes riding them so enjoyable. Having started Rideworx from scratch 8 years ago, it’s remarkable how it has grown. Becoming an Indian Motorcycle dealer is a significant milestone for everyone involved. We can’t wait to embrace the lifestyle, welcome everyone to our showroom and be an active part of the local scene as we set up our Indian Motorcycle Riders Group in the coming months.”

“We are always looking to make Indian Motorcycle more accessible to UK riders by opening showrooms that fill a gap in the network. Finding the right people who truly understand what Indian Motorcycle is all about is an essential part of developing a high quality, customer focussed dealer network. With Ryan and his staff, we have a team that is passionate about what it means to be an Indian Motorcycle owner and visitors from the area will have a great experience at the dealership,” said Andy Simpson, National Sales Manager for Indian Motorcycle UK.  

Indian Motorcycle Reading can be found at Rideworx, Unit 1, 125 Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1HD. 

 

 

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