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thehamsterscagecouk · 6 years

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The Grand Tour's Croatian Finish Line Girl Doesn't Own A Cat - Exclusive

2017 was a great year for many reasons, not least of which was the arrival of the second season of The Grand Tour. In Episode 4, which dropped on Amazon Prime Video on 29 December, the boys decided to address perhaps the most frequently and harshly spoken criticism of Season 1: scripted-ness. Aptly titled ‘Unscripted’, the episode’s main film saw the trio head to Croatia to demonstrate what unscripted TV actually looks like by not doing any preparation whatsoever.

The intrinsic irony, of course, is that this was probably among the most intensely scripted films of the entire season, given James’s random insistence on reinventing the wheel by reinventing the fire engine and the perfectly timed appearance of an exquisite rally track on which Jeremy and Richard could race their respective cars. This isn’t a criticism, of course; it silenced the critics and produced an immensely entertaining segment, thus felling two media birds with one automotive stone.

One particularly excellent (and in no way unscripted) scene saw Jeremy’s Audi TT and Richard’s Ariel Nomad pull up for a drag race and immediately realise that they needed someone to wave the starting flag. Clarkson suggested that they recruit ‘a local person' to perform this simple task. Then, a producer hopped into a time machine and travelled a few weeks into the past, scoured the Internet for Croatian models and contacted Silvija Jurin, before jumping back to the present day and escorting her to the track. Presumably.

Silvija Jurin is a marketing expert by day and a model by night. She resides in the Croatian city of Zadar, and in her twelve years of modelling work she has starred in several commercials and advertising campaigns and done much fashion work, in addition to a spell as a local television host. She was contacted by the Grand Tour production team in advance of the filming and she is undoubtedly one of the tragically unsung stars of The Grand Tour.

Initially, she was installed as the start line for the race, responsible for the countdown and the waving of the flag. Once the Hamster and the Orang-utan realised that that was never going to work, for obvious reasons, she was transferred to the finish line and the start line was staffed thereafter by another incredibly talented on-screen personality, namely The Grand Tour’s Sound Supervisor, Russell Edwards.

Having irritated Hammond with her obvious Clarksonian bias (can we blame her?) she is escorted off in the ape's Audi to feed her cat. Or is she? If only it were that simple. In a world exclusive that will surely take the entire automotive and televisual industries by storm and upend countless long-established institutions, Shifting Lanes can reveal that Silvija Jurin does not own a cat.

Clarkson responded with shocking indifference when confronted with the troubling revelation

I know what you're thinking. And you're right – when Silvija had hopped into Clarkson's Audi, he did indeed say that she needed to ‘go and feed her cat'. However, crucially, Silvija herself said only that she had to feed her ‘pet'. As it turns out, Silvija is a dog lover and owns a black Labrador called Dot.

Silvija and Dot

Fear not, for Shifting Lanes shall unashamedly reveal that which W. Chump & Sons and Amazon Prime Video were unwilling or unable to. As well as the hidden truth about domesticated animals in her possession, this tell-all interview sees Silvija discuss her favourite cars, what she really thinks of Jeremy Clarkson, what it’s like meeting James May, and more. Read on.

HAD YOU DONE ANY TV WORK BEFORE THE GRAND TOUR?

In my twelve years working as a model, I've done a lot of TV work, including several commercials. For a while, I worked as a local television host on a series about the Špancirfest festival in 2013 in the city of Varaždin. This is a very famous festival which provides a special experience of the continental part of Croatia. It’s definitely worth putting on your to-do list for when you visit Croatia! I’ve also shot promotional videos for the Tourist Board in my home city of Zadar. So, yes! I’m never far from TV work and shootings, and I love it. The camera also loves me, so the love goes both ways.

HAD YOU WATCHED THE GRAND TOUR BEFORE THEY CONTACTED YOU?

Of course!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT IT? WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN IT?

I like their humour – whatever you do, please don’t stop making jokes! And I have to admit that when I was filming with them I was subconsciously watching the whole production, which was unbelievable. Your skin is burning.

HOW DID THE GRAND TOUR GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

They have a good nose for making stories, and I was very lucky. They were looking for a local model, I sent them two photos and they called me back in less than an hour to tell me I’d got the job. It happened so quickly.

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN THE GRAND TOUR CONTACTED YOU?

I was very happy, but I didn’t really have time to think about it at that point. I just had to go with the flow.

DID JAMES MAY SAY ‘HELLO’ VERY POLITELY WHEN HE MET YOU?

Yes, like a very polite gentleman.

WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING ON THE SET OF THE GRAND TOUR?

We’re all professionals, so working with them is easy-going. All shootings are interesting in their own right because they each produce unique stories. This shooting was interesting, honourable and unforgettable.

WHAT DID YOU AND JEREMY GET UP TO OFF-CAMERA?

There isn’t much free time off-camera. Everyone came to Croatia to do serious stuff, to produce a quality recording, so most of the time we were just doing our jobs. Especially Jeremy.

WHICH CAR DID YOU PREFER – JEREMY’S AUDI TT OR RICHARD’S ARIEL NOMAD?

If I had an Ariel Nomad I would crash it very quickly, because it’s the kind of car that begs me to drive it on mountains and unpaved roads. So Jeremy’s Audi TT would be much better for me. And the blue paint goes well with my green eyes.

“Whatever you do, please don't stop making jokes!”

WHAT DO YOU DRIVE?

An Opel Corsa 1.6. It’s amazing how it never needs repairing. Everything in my car is manual so I never take it to the garage. I dare to fix some tiny things myself, like the radio, windows and wipers. I don’t touch the engine but I know how to change the oil and tyres, and even get a car with a dead battery going again. Not bad for a woman!

WHAT KINDS OF CARS DO YOU GENERALLY LIKE?

I don’t like low-sitting cars because I’m tall and it’s hard to get into them, so Jaguars aren’t perfect for me, haha! I like Jeeps, big cars that are strong on road safety. The last one I was in was a Toyota CHR. That’s a nice car.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CAR?

My favourite car is my Opel, the one I drive all the time. I’m happy with it because it’s completely functional. But, if I had to name another, I’d say the Rimac C_Two. Because it’s Croatian and it looks amazing. It’s so sexy and powerful.

“The rimac c_two is so sexy and powerful”

WHEN VISITING CROATIA, WHERE SHOULD YOU GO AND WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

That is a tricky question because there are so many different experiences Croatia can give you, but I’ll do my best. If you don’t care about costs and you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you should definitely visit Dubrovnik (the main filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in the show). It is one of the most powerful cities I’ve visited, and I’ve travelled a lot. I'd suggest Zadar, my hometown, for people who like to go out and be active in nature, as there are many natural parks and other beauties in the area. There are undiscovered coves and sea peaks on the island of Dugi Otok, there are thousands of beautiful islands in the Kornati National Park, Plitvice Lakes has many waterfalls, Paklenica National Park has endless peaks and climbing rocks, and Vranjsko Jezero National Park is a bird reserve where over 250 species live. Your knees will sneeze from the natural beauty at these places.

If you like big cities, Zagreb (the capital) is the only choice. A quarter of the Croatian population lives there so you’ll meet a lot of people and find plenty of branded shops and other usual big city attractions. It is a very lively city. If you’re more romantically-inclined, you must visit the city of Varaždin. It’s a baroque city, a bicycle town and a city of flowers, with a unique atmosphere and very charming vintage-style streets. For those who’d rather party through the night, there’s Zrče Beach in the city of Novalja, near Pag. There are very famous parties twenty-four hours a day, all throughout summer. And finally, don’t forget to visit Vukovar. It’s the only place in Croatia where you can really experience some history. The remnants of past days are still there to be seen today, creating an unforgettable experience.

“What am i supposed to do? is this ok? who knows!”

“it's like having sex all the time but never having experienced orgasm”

Croatia is full of history and stories. Wherever you decide to visit, you will be gladly welcomed by all Croatians, and you will be offered whatever local delicacies are available. And we do like to eat and drink well. You should try a Croatian ham called pršut, or the meat of young lambs that eat salty grass all year long. It is too good to describe.

WHAT IS THE MOST AMUSING THING TO HAPPEN TO YOU IN THE COMPANY OF PETROLHEADS?

The most amusing thing was to be there, on the set of The Grand Tour, participating in a completely unscripted film. I was relaxed and independent, but I didn’t understand what was going on. What am I supposed to do? Is this OK? Who knows! But somehow, it all came together perfectly. As if I knew what I was doing, haha! It was very funny, wasn’t it? So, perhaps I naturally belong on The Grand Tour team!

DO PEOPLE ALWAYS TRY TO SHOW OFF TO YOU AND END UP EMBARRASSING THEMSELVES?

Well, that’s not what Croatian people do. We all love ourselves so we don’t need to show off to anyone.

HOW HARD WAS IT TO PRETEND TO LIKE CLARKSON SO MUCH FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME?

Who said I was pretending? I always say that everyone should do everything with genuine passion, whatever life gives you. If you're not emotionally invested in what you're doing, you are just wasting your life. It's like having sex all the time but never having experienced orgasm. It's very sad. That's why, honestly, you should enjoy everything you do. Or don't do it.

WHO DO YOU LIKE BEST OUT OF JEREMY, RICHARD AND JAMES?

They taught me that there aren’t any stupid questions, just stupid answers, so I’d say that I like them all equally. Each has their own attractive qualities. One is mysterious, the other is ridiculous and the third is hardworking.

WHO CHOSE YOUR WARDROBE FOR THE FILMING? DID YOU PICK YOUR OWN CLOTHES?

Yes, I chose my own outfits. They were the best I could find at the time.

WOULD YOU RATHER FIGHT ONE HORSE-SIZED DUCK OR A HUNDRED DUCK-SIZED HORSES?

That's a question that requires a lot of thought. I think I'd rather choose one horse-sized duck. A hundred horses mean a hundred problems.

WERE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN FEEDING YOUR CAT?

“Perhaps i naturally belong on the grand tour team”

I hate to break the myth of the cat but according to my personality, I have to be honest. Perception can be fucked up, it can distort reality so often people see and hear what they want to. So, now you finally know: I don't have a cat. I only said ‘pet'! I'm a dog-lover. I have a black Labrador. Her name is Točka, which means Dot.

“Perception can be fucked up”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH THE GRAND TOUR TEAM AGAIN?

I’d love to!

“I never have a plan, just an idea”

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS TO WORK WITH THE GRAND TOUR AGAIN?

I never have a plan, just an idea.

Images credited to Amazon Prime Video and Silvija Jurin (via Instagram @silvijajurin). Amazon Prime members can watch Seasons 1 and 2 of The Grand Tour at PrimeVideo.com/GT.

Interview by Jason Reed

#richard hammond #james may #jeremy clarkson #silvia jurin #w chump and sons #the grand tour #gts02e04 #drivetribe

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vaughanyracesceltman · 5 years

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Wow, what a race. Except, Celtman is not just a race, it is so much more.

So please forgive me rambling…… several years ago a friend raced Celtman, I dismissed it as a crazy notion stating something about no-way on earth, what’s the point, etc, etc! To be honest, I didn’t really understand it. Also, from a personal perspective, about 3 years ago to the day of this race, I stood on the finish line of an Ironman distance and said I was never going to race that far again – it’s a bit antisocial and unpleasant! Therefore, in theory, I shouldn’t be writing this.

Fast forward to Sept 2017 and I turn up to the ‘welcome to the Tri Club’ evening at University of Stirling and stand talking to a guy called Robin who was wearing a Celtman jacket. We both thought the session was a bit rubbish and a friendship instantly formed. Robin is from the Celtman area in Wester Ross and was going to race again last year – he finished 9th!

Over the forthcoming months, basically, Robin goaded me into entering the ballot, promising to be my support if I got in. I entered and didn’t really think I would get a place, but come November, I got through. That meant there were going to be several months of committed training and preparation. You see, this is not just about it being one of the hardest races in the UK, it is also as close to a team participation effort as you get in triathlon – instead of your nearest and dearest seeing you a few times during the whole race they have to: help you out of the swim and through T1; feed, water and mechanic you on the bike; help you go from bike to run at T2; and bring stuff to an extra transition (T2a); and someone has to run with you if you make the cut off time at T2a.

What had I done?!

Luckily my better half is very understanding (or was eventually after being a bit annoyed with me) and Robin was good to his word. Support crew in place. In addition, to help me keep focussed and structured I decided to engage a coach – who is a person, but I never meet them, setting a programme around my availability via Training Peaks. Over the next few months I follow the programme as well as I can with work and travel and begin to feel pretty fit. Then I get to the tricky part….equipment. Father Christmas sorted out all of the ‘I wouldn’t buy them if it wasn’t for this race’ things. But the key thing was my bike - my TT was bought in 2006! It was a good bike at the time and still pretty reliable now, but was quite dated. After a period of ‘negotiation’, I eventually become the owner of a shiny new Giant Trinity (and eventually she got some new shoes too (from HED wheels) – after further negotiation with the holder of the purse strings!). I rode her for virtually every training ride from April.

At Easter we went to stay with Robin to recce the course, I saw the swim, swam/froze in a different loch, cycled 100mile of the bike route and we walked the mountain section. I’ve got to be honest, it was so hard it scared me! And I realised just how much more work I needed to do. I did. Am working in Portsmouth for the summer so joined Portsmouth Triathletes and got some sea swims in, then I rode Fred Whitton only 3 weeks later. I was able to get off the bike and run 10k off road, which restored some of my confidence. Over the last 6 weeks I just focussed and built. I’m not a lover of going up-hill on foot or bike and with a dodgy left ankle I usually avoid off road – but I’ve done more vertical in the last few months than I have in years and almost look comfortable on the Fells!

So, with the exception of a bit of a tight calf for a couple of weeks I managed I get to the start line having swum 76km, cycled 3309km and run 630km, since January (and no-one really cares, but I also skied 500km). Quite possibly the most committed I’ve been to any race ever. This meant that, surprisingly, I was feeling quite calm about heading north.

We decided to make a bit of a holiday out of the race so headed to Scotland a few days in advance. Got some swims and bit of a bike and drove the course in advance. Apart from the distance across the Loch looking huge and the mountains looking as menacing as they were on the recce I was ready physically and psychologically for the race. Kathryn and I spent a couple of days with Robin to prep, boxes for each transition, an ‘I’m cold’ box, nutrition, fluid and spares – all sorted and loaded into our trusty camper van. We were ready.

Now, if you aren’t too bored and haven’t forgotten what I said at the beginning, Celtman is more than just a race. This is in relation to the community, affinity/respect of the landscape/elements and with each other. In essence, Celtman is an all-encompassing extended family.

I had an idea it was like this from the way Robin described it, but it started to come to life when we met up on Wednesday evening at the bar in Shieldaig. Talking to the locals it started to become obvious that this event is an important part of the local calendar. Whilst they think we are a bit bonkers taking part, they genuinely want us to do well and enjoy what their corner of Scotland has to offer. As we head into registration and briefing on Friday, the ‘family’ shows itself we don’t see Robin for hours (and this is a repeating theme over the weekend – he’s always chatting!). On a personal level, it is all very relaxed and welcoming. No question is too stupid – even though some of my fellow competitors could perhaps have read the race manual more fully! That’s it. Time to apply numbers to bike, hat, belt and sticker up the car. Food and bed. It’s race time.

‘twas the night before race day and all through the house, it felt like everyone else was asleep but me! My calm relaxed state of mind was gone. Had a bit of a cat nap but when I pulled my ass out of bed at 2am I hadn’t had too much shut eye. Hey ho, time to focus. It was a 15minute drive to the T1, where we would collect our GPS trackers and timing dibbers. The weather forecast at briefing was fine. But this is Scotland. It was raining. In the drizzle my team racked the bike and then I said my temporary goodbyes and went to get the swim start bus at 4am. The bus journey takes about 20mins on a tiny road. As we disembarked the piper and drummers start up, in growing light of the dawn, 200 neoprene clad bodies keeping warm by the potted fires, making nervous small-talk is a slightly surreal experience.

Celtman has traditions, before the start they set fire to a giant logo and we get our photo graph taken. In addition, this edition of recognised the recent passing of a significant member of the Celtman Family, Chris Stirling. Chris had taken part several times going from novice to race winner (as well as winning other XTri events around the world). Despite being a member of the same Triathlon Club I hardly knew Chris; I had only met him when he sold me my new bike. But he spent the time while we were setting it up to talk to me about the race, tactics, pitfalls, etc – his love and passion for everything Celtman/Xtri was palpable. His untimely passing is very sad. In the half light on the shore of Loch Torridon we celebrated his life.

As time ticked down towards 5am it was time to enter the cold, salty Loch. We made our way out from the shore to the start line, 10mins, 5mins, 2mins, 1min… Go. Like all good triathlons there was a mad scramble for a few seconds while we all found our space. The route is from one side of the Loch to the other, the finish is blind for most of the swim. First head towards island 1, then spot on the white house behind island 2, then as we round island 2 head into the shore. 3400m with the jelly fish.

I got into my rhythm quite quickly and felt like I was moving fairly easily. As we went past the first island there was a little bit of swell on the water, not too much but it meant extra concentration, then we found the jelly fish – wow they are big, more solid than you think if you try to push one out of the way but actually very pretty! By this point I was largely on my own, I was aware of a couple of my swimmers to my left and right but largely we were all ploughing our own line. All became smooth again as we approached the second island, I felt I was going quite well but was a little anxious I was going to be a bit slower than my 1hr target time. As I rounded the rocks on the end of the island I found a line into the finish and kept my steady pace going. As I exited the water I felt good, and was able to get up an moving on my own (though had a little stumble). Quick glance at my watch and I’d hit my plan time. What I didn’t realise was that I was 23rdout of the water (making this probably my best ever swim).

Transition is usually my specialty! This was the first test of our team work, Robin grabbed me and guided me up transition, we had a cameraman following us too, I managed to start to get out of my wetsuit but did need some help and ended up sitting down. We had identified different laying strategies depending upon how cold I was. Went for a vest under tri-suit and cycle shirt on top, some bike mits and sealskin socks as I was ok. No problems - I’m in and out in less than 5mins (6thfastest).

Out of transition is a little hill and then there are a couple of rises round to Torridon in the first 7miles before you hit 10miles of single track road out to Kinlockewe. This is a gradual rise for 8 miles before 2 miles down to where T2 will be. I’d enough food and drink for the first 2.5hrs as it can be a problem for the support team to get up the single track road with the numbers of bikes. My high position out of the swim meant this was no problem for them, so they went off to get breakfast at mile 34. After the T2 junction there was going to be a tail wind for 20odd miles up the side of Loch Maree. The road is a false flat until we get to a decent climb before Gairloch, I put my head down and made the most of this favourable wind. I lose a few places on the road as the slow swim/fast bike guy’s get their acts together! At Gairloch we turn and head north mainly along the coast, the wind is sort of head/cross and the road starts to undulate.

Kathryn and Robin make frequent stops for food and drink. Its great, they have cowbells and just offer so much encouragement. Back to the Celtman family thing, everyone offers encouragement to everyone, it’s great as an athlete.

As the road continues to rise and fall, some just 20-40m, others up to 100m, we approach Badcaul and head into the wind. This is going to be 50+miles of straight headwind, probably somewhere around 8-10mph, there are two big climbs just before and after Dundonnell (where Tim Rice owns Dundonnell Hall). This section is all about managing my pace, I know at the end of this section there is a glorious tailwind for 24miles. I try to be conservative and but lose a few more places on the road, my team continue to yell encouragement and advice. My tummy hurts, it’s messing with my head. I stop to feed the plants (not in my plan!). After that though I feel better focussed and on the downhill where I’m going nowhere near as fast as I want because of the wind I just keep it steady. Running in the last few miles to Garve I’m just thinking about the last section and busily trying to compute what my likely time will be. At the turn, if I carry on at the pace I’m going it will be something like a 7hr 40 bike, which will put me under a lot of pressure for the blue tshirt and trip over the mountain.

I turn right, feel the wind. This is going to be great, it will be quicker. It is, I manage the last 24 and a bit miles in <1h10 – which was pretty quick for me. I take a few places back. This section basically drags uphill for 20miles at about 1-2% (with a couple of steeper bits) followed by 4miles downhill which are quite steep and fast. Adrenaline heaven. I hit T2 and I’m buzzing. 7hr 12m for the 124miles. A little behind schedule but all within range.

Although I mention losing and taking places on the road I actually have no idea where I am in the race. I didn’t ask, and Kathryn & Robin decided not to tell me! At this point I’m 28th.

Through T2 in <5mins and Robin and I start to run (well jog), and we leave Kathryn to pack up my mess. The first couple of miles are flat on a forest trail and road, before heading up 250m of vertical, some on muddy deforested hillside and then onto gravel track. We walk up the hill and I enjoy a lovely ham sandwich and some salt & vinegar crisps. Awesome lunch. We jog over the top and down to the loch, along a gravel trail back to the road. Just a couple of miles to T2a and the magic cut-off. We have loads of time and make T2a at 10h22m29s i.e. with more than 37m before the 11hr cut off. I need another call of nature, grab a cup of tea and a sandwich.

We are off to the mountain. Say bye to Kathryn and off we go. I have to admit, the euphoria of knowing I’d met my objective (subject to finishing) was a little too much, and I lost some focus. It is a 900m climb to the top of Spidean Coire nan Clach, I start steady. Robin is great, giving constant encouragement and feeding/watering me. I just have to keep moving.

However, when it got really steep, I had a bit of a psychological meltdown! I didn’t really want to go on, I would happily have turned around. I got a pretty stern talking to and then Robin went up not down. I dug in. Slow steps, hands on knees to help. I had to focus on one step at a time. Robin continually encouraging me. In no time we were on the ridge, the really difficult uphill was behind us. Robin had a chat – he knew the crew! We got a nice picture and carried on. The summit was in sight. There were no clouds, there was no wind and the big yellow sunny thing was out. It was absolutely stunning.

I guess it was a bit frustrating for Robin, but I mainly walked along the ridge on the way to Ruadh-stac Mòr, the highest point of the day at 1010m. A few people passed us and we kept passing/being passed by Geddes & Ryan – which was quite nice! Grabbed a few sweets and a few drops of water from the summit crew and then its just 1000m of descent to go.

First up is scree slope. There are two ways down, the quick way (down the centre) and the safe way (along the edge). We went the safe way. A few people went down the centre but didn’t really get too much advantage. After this we wound our way through the rock field to the Loch, around the Loch before the final mountain decent on a rough rock path. It’s not the most pleasant of runs. It was at this point the heavens opened. We just plodded on. As the path became less steep and the rock pathway more regular we started to jog. I’m not really sure how it happened, but once I started jogging I felt OK, and I just kept going. Eventually the road comes into sight, its almost a relief the last section.

Time for the victory dance. The last 8.4km are along the road, we ran the whole way in - it wasn’t quick, it wasn’t pretty but is was steady. The last mile is a little bit cruel. As you arrive at Torridon village, instead of heading straight to the village hall, to get up to 42km, the route goes out along the Loch edge before heading back into the village and up a tiny incline (that feels like a mountain) before the glorious blue arch and the finish line. I crossed that line in 15h42m0s. (7h25m53s run split). It was a bit emotional. Hugs with Kathryn, hugs with Robin. To be honest I’d have hugged anyone. And the brilliant reward for crossing that finish line…..a bottle of beer. I’ve not had a beer in months, I was looking forward to it.

We got some food, had some chats, more hugs and went to bed. I was knackered and happy. I’d made my target and would pick up my blue t-shirt in the morning. I fell asleep with a cup of tea in my hand.

When we arrived at the hall for results on Sunday morning I was pretty stunned to find out I was 33rdoverall (and although it doesn’t count for anything in this event 1stof the SuperVets!). Although I’ve put the positions in above these are from the results; I actually thought I was much nearer to the back of the field than I was – Kathryn & Robin then fessed up that they knew I was going pretty well, but they didn’t tell me in case I Iost focus. Glad they did as I probably would.

The presentation morning is part of the tradition. All athletes and supporters turn up, grab bacon butties & a cup of tea and chat about their experience amongst themselves. At 11 o’clock we were all called to order and asked to sit down on the wooden floor – for some, not the easiest with the lovely lactic flowing through our joints. We started with a little video the team had put together overnight – was totally awesome, and I featured twice (see link, I’m at 1m11 & 1m56!). The prizes followed - sunglasses, fizz and a picture to the male & female winners plus Norseman entry to 1st& 2nd. The podium got their t-shirts of blueness. Then those who had completed five, yes five, Celtmans entered the hallowed red t-shirt club – 2 new entrants this year. Total kudos to these people. The raffle and the lucky dip for guaranteed Norseman entry – I didn’t win, but I may be single now if I’d won a place!

Then a new annual award was announced. The Chris Stirling Rock Award – it recognises someone who (like Chris) encapsulates ‘the spirit of Celtman’; i.e. through their achievements, commitment, support, etc to the Celtman community. The inaugural winner is Ryan Maclean, who has participated 4 times, been a support runner (as he was this year) and provides other support/advice too.

It was then time to collect our t-shirts and head outside for the traditional group photo in front of the mountain. I have never been so proud of a race t-shirt!

The day is not complete there though….after an afternoon of R&R and packing, it is back to the Torridon village hall for an evening of alcohol (other drinks were available), music and dancing. There were many people in tartan, the celtman beer flowed well and we all talked excitedly about the race. Virtually everyone in the room got up to dance at some point. It was the most relaxed and enjoyable end to a race I have ever experienced. I especially enjoyed the version of Thunderstruck by ACDC played on the piano accordion. Amazeballs.

Before I go I need to thank two special people…. Robin, your energy and enthusiasm was infectious and never ending, without you I would not have finished; I have a debt of gratitude I can probably never repay. Kathryn, thank you for putting up with me week-in-week-out, I guess I need to make it up to you….holiday to my next race?

I set out to write a brief race report, but I seem to have written a short novel instead! Celtman got under my skin. I get the whole thing now. It is the most difficult one day event I have ever participated in, somehow managing to be simultaneously brutal and beautiful. But it is not just the physical challenge, it doesn’t matter whether you wear white, blue, red or didn’t make it. No-one cares. It’s about being part of the family. Thankyou CxTri, fellow athletes, support teams, race crew and the local people. #memoriesforlife

#celtman celtman2019 celtmanstory

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autumnhobbit · 7 years

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I rlly want to read something about Damian and Tim when Damian is like 18! That'd be a cool dynamic

The kitchen was quiet when Tim stepped in through the garage door at 6:30 in the morning. He supposed that wasn’t totally unexpected; Alfred was probably busy, what with the chaos of the last few days’ events. However, Tim had an important objective, so he opted to skip any other menial, unnecessary tasks, and headed for the stairs.

He passed his old bedroom, Jason’s room, Dick’s room. The next door was unsurprisingly shut. He didn’t bother knocking; he figured they were past that. He opened the door and leaned his head in. “Dames?”

A shuffle of sheets, as Titus climbed to his feet with a huff and carefully jumped down, ambling over to lick at Tim’s hand. And finally, a groan from the blanket-covered lump on the bed, only the tips of messy black hair showing above the comforter.

Tim stepped in and shut the door behind him, folding his arms across his chest. “I know you don’t want to get up and do anything today, but I’m not gonna leave you much choice.”

“Nothing you say will persuade me to leave this bed, Drake,” Damian deadpanned, low voice rough with sleep.

“I already called Marissa and told her you’d be there by seven,” Tim said easily.

A pause. Then Damian threw the covers back, his face vaguely irritated but submissive. He stroked Alfred’s back as he sat up, murmuring soothingly in Arabic to him, and then swung his legs off the side of the bed, dropping down onto them and slouching off, the picture of exhausted adolescence. It would have been funny if it weren’t somehow so sad at the same time.

Tim shook his head, tugging over Damian’s chair to sit and wait for him. While the shower ran, he glanced around the room. It looked a little more personal now than it had; a rack full of Damian’s collection of exotic weapons, a zoo animals calendar, scale models of the planets hanging in scale formation from the high ceiling of one corner of the room, a telescope, a poster from a concert Dick had taken him to a few years ago. It looked a little more like a kid’s room now, and a little less like a barrack, which was good. Though he could still see the precision in how everything was kept—bunched up clothes and clutter were conspicuously absent from the area—it was nice to see at least some amount of stability and comfort in Damian’s life as well as his room.

The door opened with a half-bang, and Damian wandered out of the bathroom, dressed but with his hair flopping down almost to his nose. Tim tried to stifle a laugh as he fumbled around looking for his comb, which was, of course, on the dresser Tim was sitting beside. He grabbed it and stepped over to Damian, setting to work combing it up. “Have you considered getting a haircut anytime soon?” He asked jokingly.

“Tt.” Damian heaved a sigh, which sent some of the aforementioned long bangs fluffing up in the air, only to flop back down onto his nose. “It’s not long enough yet to warrant it.”

Tim let the matter drop. It was the kid’s hair; he could do whatever he pleased with it. Besides, he was no one to judge; his own hair wasn’t shoulder-length, but it wasn’t short, either. He finally had Damian’s hair half-tamed into something resembling its usual spiked style. With a final pat, to tamp the long strands down—which was a little difficult, considering how high he had to reach to do so, now—Tim stepped back, handing Damian the comb. He took it and tucked it into the pocket of his jeans, and then leaned over and yanked his sneakers from their spot beside the bed. Tim checked his watch quickly, just to make sure–they were still on time. Damian finally straightened, glancing at Tim expectantly.

“Alrighty, then. Off we go.” Tim turned towards the door, and Damian trailed after him, shutting the door after making sure Titus and Alfred were out of the room.

“Will…” Damian’s voice cracked a bit oddly—and while that was a normal occurrence lately, somehow Tim knew it wasn’t a fluke—“Will it be alright? Here? While we’re–”

“It’s fine. Alfred says he’s stable, just resting, and he’ll call us if anything comes up. And if he does call us, I’ll call Superman if need be. Or Jon,” Tim said, trying to be as firm as possible while still leaving room for Damian to really object if he wanted to.

Damian said nothing, so Tim kept going.

There was no sign of Alfred in the kitchen when they went through—except, of course, for a tray of freshly-baked blackberry muffins, still warm and steaming, and a travel cup full of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and one of coffee. Damian silently picked up the note beside the tray, read it to himself, then nodded mutely and carefully folded it, tucking it into his pocket. He snatched a nearby paper bag and filled it with half the muffins, and then grabbed another bag that had his name on it. Tim grabbed his coffee as quickly as possible, and drank a swallow, savoring the bitter aroma. He hadn’t had a chance to get his before he’d left the house this morning.

With everything thus packed and grabbed, they headed out the garage to where Tim’s Lincoln was waiting. Damian climbed into the passenger seat of his own volition, so Tim got into the driver’s side and set his coffee in the cup holder, starting the car in silence and turning to carefully back up.

They were half-way down the driveway when he glanced at Damian, who was silently eating a muffin, occasionally sipping at his orange juice. If he had been five years younger, he would have thought Damian looked sullen—but times had changed, and he knew better now. “Do you…” he ventured. “Want to listen to something? Or—?”

Damian shook his head silently.

“Okay.” Tim turned back to the road. After a moment of driving—they had reached the gate—he said quietly, “Steph would have come, but you know how mornings have been lately. She sends her love.”

“Tt.” Damian hummed, examining another muffin. “It’s alright,” he said quietly, not meeting Tim’s eyes. “I did not expect that of her.”

Tim nodded quietly. The words were blunt, but Damian still had trouble finding words sometimes when it came to being genuine. He knew the boy meant no harm.

“Besides…” Damian hummed, not looking up. “You are sufficient.”

Tim stifled a smile. He turned back to the road, and the rest of the drive passed in companionable silence.

They ran into a bit of traffic on the freeway, but still managed to pull into the parking lot at the animal shelter at 6:47. They got out in silence, and Tim locked the car. Damian held tight to his paper bags. Tim hoped fervently that Marissa would honor his request to not mention the elephant in the room, or else he might truly upset Damian.

But thankfully, when they went in the back door, Marissa was waiting with her usual smile, flanked by Ava and Max, a couple of the high-school volunteers.

“Morning, Damian,” she said warmly. “How are you?”

“Acceptable, thank you,” Damian said, a bit awkwardly, as he always was when they got started. He brandished one of his bags. “Pennyworth sent treats.”

“That grandfather of yours must be quite a man,” Marissa said, turning to lead them inside. “I hope to meet him one day.”

“Perhaps I will try to arrange something this summer,” Damian said, sounding a bit excited at the prospect.

“I would love that, Damian, thank you.” Marissa said. She buzzed them into the backroom. “Alright, so we have a few new arrivals. Someone dumped a Siamese in a street in the south side; he has a broken paw. We’ve set it and it should heal up in a month or two. Very sweet temperament, it’s a shame. A girl dropped off a box of pitbull-mix puppies; I assume they were the result of a dogfighting champ but weren’t healthy enough to be worth training. And, oddly enough, someone brought a parrot that recites lines from Gilligan’s Island. That’s been fun.” She flashed a dry smile at Tim and Damian. Tim chuckled. Damian shrugged, heading into the storeroom to haul out the bags of feed.

The next three hours flew by as they fed, watered, and groomed and bathed the animals, as well as cleaning out the cages. Damian was comfortable with this—he’d been doing it for several months, now—but Tim was a little bit less competent at it. At least he’d worn somewhat casual clothes; a polo and khakis. Though he was looking forward to showering at the end of the day.

At 11:00, when the work was nearly finished and Marissa and Ava had gone to man the front desk, Tim meandered over to where Damian was huddled in front of one of the cages, lightly stroking his long fingers through a tabby kitten’s fur. “You are a most threatening specimen,” Damian spoke lowly and seriously as the kitten lightly gnawed on his fingertips. “Likely descended from the royal cats that roam the jungles of Argentina and Siberia. My mother once had one like you. He was nowhere near as kind, however. Keep that friendly spirit, and you will go far in here.” He stopped talking and glanced up when Tim approached.

“I don’t think Alfred would appreciate a stray,” Tim said wryly.

“Tt.” Damian lightly stroked the kitten’s back once more. “His namesake did.” He carefully scooped the cat into a delicate ball, cupped in his palm, and slowly stood up, opening the cage door. “If he does not get adopted, I may well return for him.” He shut the door and locked it, reaching a fingertip in between the bars for one last stroke.

“Don’t know if you’re hungry,” Tim said. “I made sure Ameer’s was open.”

“Tt.” Damian dusted his hands off. “I would not object to lunch. I was not planning on doing much today, anyway.”

“Alright then,” Tim said, trying to ignore the slight pang at Damian’s flippant admittance.

They said goodbye to Marissa and Ava on the way out, leaving the bag of treats as well as the leftover muffins. They loaded back into the car, and Damian put his earbuds in for the short drive over to the restaurant.

Tim could tell that Damian was suspicious as they got out and Tim locked it, but he didn’t voice any irritation, so Tim followed him as he pushed open the door and immediately spotted the table full of people, who immediately waved at him, with various warm greetings of “Here’s the man!” and “Damian!”

Damian rolled his eyes, and walked straight for Steph, who was beaming up at him. He ducked down, and hugged her very gently. “You didn’t have to come out here, Brown.”

“And miss this milestone? You only get one of those, you know.” She kissed the top of Damian’s head, and released him. “Besides, I feel better in the afternoons.”

“Grayson,” Damian acknowledged.

Dick smiled warmly. “How are you, kiddo?”

“Just as fine as I was when I last saw you three days ago,” Damian said dryly, but he allowed himself to be tugged into an enthusiastic hug, and even leaned into it. Babs gave him a smile and a little wave, but Damian barely had time to nod before Cass had tugged him into an even more tight hug. “Baby brother is big,” she said, reaching her arm almost to its maximum length to pet his hair. “Not fair.”

“I have been informed that this is how it works,” Damian choked, still sounding exasperated. Cass finally released him, and Damian immediately scrubbed at his hair to tamp it back into its usual style. He glanced once at Jason, and immediately dropped his gaze. “Todd,” he said quietly.

“Brat,” Jason said easily, swishing his glass and running his mismatched fingertips along the rim of the cup. The scar that ran down his cheek was healed, but still cut his features in a decidedly different way than they had been when he was younger. “Bet you’re glad to have sprouted all the way.”

Damian shrugged. Tim ordered his root beer for him rather than interrupt the conversation, waiting with baited breath.

“Pretty sure we’ve already covered this ground, tater tot, but this,” Jason gestured to his cheek, and his hand, “was not remotely your fault. And besides, chicks dig scars. Ask Kara.” He smirked.

Damian shrugged, eyes downcast.

Jason scooted over beside him, and stuck a finger under his chin, tilting his face up. “Look. I’m fine. I am fine, I’m going to be fine. And even if I wasn’t—” his face grew hard, but not towards Damian, “—I’d do it again. Alright? And that’s not a bad thing. It comes with the whole sibling territory. You got it?”

Damian met his gaze for a moment, then nodded solemnly, though he still looked troubled. Jason slid his hand once to bop Damian’s nose, then dropped his hand to his lap again. “None of that broodiness. You may want to be like your dad someday, but it’s still too early for me.”

The others laughed. Damian managed a slight curve of the corner of his mouth.

The rest of lunch went smoothly, with everyone sharing memories of the ins-and-outs of the Manor, minus the suits. Damian even shared a few anecdotes of his own. The kitchen sent Damian a free Basbousa, which made him quite pleased. He shared a little bit of it with Steph, because she was eyeing it longingly and he tended towards fussing over proper nutrition in her condition, but declared the rest of it was his alone—though he left enough for everyone else to have a spoonful. Dick and Jason left a large tip.

Dick approached Tim as the others began to say their goodbyes and disperse. “What’ve you got up next on the agenda?” He asked quietly.

“Figured we’d head to the park. Jon’s schedule is free.”

“Do you need me to come by? For…after?” Dick asked.

Tim shrugged. “I don’t think we’ll need it…but I certainly don’t think he’ll complain about you having an unannounced sleepover.”

Dick grinned. “I’ll try and come tonight, then.” He glanced up as Damian walked by with Steph. “I guess I’m headed home,” Steph said, reaching for Tim’s hand. “You guys have fun on your hike.”

“Sure thing. Call me if you need anything.” Tim gave her a quick kiss on the lips, which Damian rolled his eyes at, but said nothing.

“Don’t you scoff,” Steph scolded warmly. “You’re a teenager now. Hormones are a thing, buddy.”

“Your escapades are made tolerable only by nieces and nephews,” Damian deadpanned. But he stroked a small, firm circle in her side. Tim was vaguely jealous. Steph only let Damian do that because she said he worried. Everyone else was forbidden because she was ticklish. But like he said, he was vaguely jealous. Mostly he just melted. He guessed marriage had a tendency to do that.

Once everyone was off on their own, Damian and Tim piled back into the car and drove a couple hours to the park. It was outside town, almost out into the countryside, but you could still see the city from the hills.

Tim fired off a text as they were getting their supplies out of the car, and by the time they were locking up, Jon was streaking down to land on his feet on the pavement beside them. “Dames!” He said happily, crossing the distance in two strides and hugging Damian.

“Um. Hello, Kent,” Damian said, awkwardly patting Jon’s back. Jon released him with a grin. “So. Do you expect me to hike, or can I—?”

“You may do whatever you please, Jonathan,” Damian sighed.

Jon laughed, then saluted cockily. “See you guys at the top, then!” With that, he launched into the air and flew off through the trees, only restraining himself from breaking the sound barrier due to decency.

“Tt. I could do that, once,” Damian muttered darkly, but took a swig of his water and hefted his bag up on his shoulder, heading up the trail. Tim followed, shaking his head.

It wound up taking them about two hours to climb the slope. They could have done it faster if they’d been hotfooting it, but they were taking their time. Damian stopped often to get out his camera and take a picture of a bird or flower or tree, and Tim did likewise. Occasionally, Jon would fly back down to them and hover overhead as they walked, and they chatted as they went.

Finally, they reached the top of the hill. The sun wouldn’t set for another few hours, but it was at a definite downward angle, lighting up the distant buildings with a sharp, intense glow. Damian snapped a few different pictures of that. Tim, meanwhile, took the opportunity to reapply 100+ spf sunscreen. He had to admit, that was one thing he did envy Damian for.

Jon went with them the rest of the way down the mountain. When they were packing up the car, he tapped Damian on the shoulder.

“Do you…want me to come over later tonight? I have to be home for supper, but I could come back. Only if you want me to, though.” He looked hesitant but ready to accept whatever answer he got.

“I…do not know, Jon,” Damian admitted with a sigh. “Can I text you after…after I’m home? Right now, I would not mind, but I don’t want to drag you all the way to Gotham to spend time with me if I will be too bitter to enjoy it.”

“I wouldn’t care. I’ve put up with you before,” Jon said obstinately. “But if you don’t feel like it, that’s fine. And if you do, I’ll come.”

“I will text you,” Damian promised. “Perhaps we can watch more of those cartoons you introduced me to last time.”

“That’d be fun.” Jon grinned. “Well, whether I see you later or not,” he hugged Damian again. “Have a great rest of the day, ‘kay? You deserve it.”

“Tt.” Damian rolled his eyes long-sufferingly at Tim, who shrugged. “Have a good evening too, Kent. Tell your parents I said hello.”

“I will!” With that, Jon flew off. He did break the sound barrier this time. Damian got his hands over his ears in time. Tim was just a little bit too late.

“I wish he wouldn’t do that,” Damian muttered. “Every time he does, conspiracy theory pages explode.”

Tim shrugged as he opened the trunk and tossed his bag in, wincing as his ears continued to ring. “He’s a teenager who can fly. I can’t say I blame him.”

They drove back to the Manor from the park, stopping once to get Damian a cherry slushy since he decided he was in the mood for it. The sun was beginning to set when they pulled back into the Manor.

Damian went upstairs immediately, and it wasn’t two minutes before the shower was running. Tim sighed, dropping into a chair in the kitchen and checking his phone. A text from Steph to let him know she got home okay, a text from Alfred about Bruce’s SATs, a text from Dick letting him know he’d be a bit late, but would come around nine.

Alfred came into the kitchen, and Tim glanced up. “Hey, Alfie.”

“Evening, Master Tim.” Alfred took the seat across from Tim, sitting down more quickly than Tim was used to.

“Everything alright?” Tim asked, concerned.

“It’s just….” Alfred sighed. “Master Bruce, sir. Not his health,” he quickly amended at the concern morphing to worry on Tim’s face, “It’s just…it’s hard. To see him upset. And he is, right now.”

“Ah.” Tim could imagine.

Damian wandered into the kitchen, in shorts and a t-shirt, his hair hopelessly flopped over his face again. He paused at the island. “Pennyworth,” he said quietly.

“My dear boy,” Alfred said, and just like that, Damian was across the room and buried in an almost desperate hug. “How was your day?” Alfred asked, into Damian’s hair—the boy was much taller than he, now, but whenever he hugged Alfred he lowered down some.

Damian chuffed a hoarse laugh. “Acceptable, Pennyworth.”

“Good.” Alfred let the boy pull back a bit, though he remained kneeling beside Alfred’s chair. Alfred cleared his throat, glancing down at Damian. “I believe that…your father would very much appreciate seeing you.”

Damian ducked his head in a half-nod, his bangs flopping. Even from across the table, Tim could see the emotions warring in his dark green eyes.

“I…am willing to wager that you would very much like to see him, too,” Alfred said softly, laying a gentle hand atop Damian’s head and threading through his hair. “Is that correct?”

Damian nodded slightly.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Tim offered. Damian nodded vigorously.

“There there, Master Damian,” Alfred said softly, as the boy gave a sudden, hoarse sob and scrubbed angrily at his eyes with his fist. “You’ll be alright. It’s alright.” He gently brushed Damian’s long bangs back from his eyes. Damian sniffled, scrubbing at his eyes with his fingers this time. Tim’s heart sank watching them, even though it was somehow a warm sinking.

Steph would have laughed if he’d said that out loud. Maybe he’d text it to her later.

Finally, Damian climbed up to his feet. “I’m ready,” he declared hoarsely, squaring his shoulders and balling his fists.

Tim pushed his chair back from the table and walked over to Damian. And then, on a sudden but certain impulse, he wrapped his arms around the younger boy and hugged him with a iron grip, arms locked tight around his broad shoulders, dusty, worn-out clothes against Damian’s clean ones and all. Damian startled at first, but then reciprocated, wrapping his own arms carefully around Tim and leaning down to press his forehead against Tim’s shoulder.

“You are such an overgrown little punk, and I am so damn proud of you,” Tim whispered, and he felt Damian’s chest heave with a breathless laugh. “The feeling is mutual,” he snarked back, only a bit unsteady.

With one final squeeze, Tim reluctantly let go and stepped back, and Damian did likewise, scrubbing at his eyes again. Tim gave Damian a firm pat on the shoulder. “Down we go.”

Damian nodded. “Down we go,” he agreed, voice muffled.

Tim let Damian lead the way when the boy lightly shoved in front as Tim opened the clock. Down the stairs the two of them went, quiet, until they were in the familiar cold, musty air of the Cave. Batcow mooed in Damian’s direction, and he trailed over and rubbed her head for a moment, murmuring softly to her. But finally, he lifted his chin and squared his shoulders and planted one foot in front of the other, striding into the med bay. Tim followed only a couple steps behind.

His first thought was that Bruce still somehow managed to look limp, deflated, even though he was definitely conscious: seeming to drink in the sight of Damian with half-open eyes, his gurney elevated so he could see them without having to sit up. It wasn’t the worst injury he’d ever received by a long shot, but it was growing more and more difficult for him to shake off his injuries as quickly as he used to. But he immediately reached his hand out, only slightly trembling, towards Damian. “Damian. I was…was hoping you’d come. Come here, sit down.”

Damian grasped his father’s hand immediately, pulling a chair up behind him with his foot and sitting down, clasping their hands together in his lap. “Evening, Father,” Damian said, hesitant and very much worried.

Bruce half-coughed a laugh. “Oh, my boy.” His hand slipped from between Damian’s and traveled up to Damian’s face, gently rubbing his cheek. “Look at you. My boy.”

Damian blinked, quiet tears welling in his eyes and spilling over once in a while. Bruce stroked them away whenever they spilled.

“How was your day, baby? Tell me everything. I’m…I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”

“It’s not your fault, Father, do not blame yourself, please,” Damian pleaded, voice cracking. “I…well, Drake came this morning…”

He started the story, and Tim quietly got up, slipping out of the room unnoticed. He had a feeling that they’d be okay without him.

He fed and watered Batcow, so Damian wouldn’t have to worry about doing it, and headed upstairs to his old bedroom. He texted Steph before getting in the shower. I think I’ll stay the night, if it’s okay with you. Just to be sure that we’re good.

Of course. Give him a kiss from me and the babies.

Will do. Tim threw his phone onto the bedside table and went to shower.

When he got out, toweling off his hair and stepping back into his room, the sky outside his window was dark, and he could hear laughing and Mario Kart sound effects from down the hall in the game room. He shook his head with a stifled smile, flicking on his phone again. He looked one last time at his reminders for today. Damian’s 18th birthday, survived, he thought, satisfied, as he switched the screen off and climbed into bed, sliding under the covers.

(Ao3 Link Here: http://archiveofourown.org/works/10949835 )

#replies #anon #my fic #damian wayne #tim drake #bruce wayne #alfred pennyworth #stephanie brown #jason todd #dick grayson #batfam #batfamily #dc #timsteph

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sbknews · 6 years

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New Post has been published on Superbike News

New Post has been published on http://superbike-news.co.uk/wordpress/from-rookie-to-champion-sandro-cortese-2018-worldssp-champion/

From rookie to champion: Sandro Cortese 2018 WorldSSP Champion

Making the switch over into the FIM Supersport World Championship from prototype machines can always be a risk, but Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) made it look effortless in 2018 to be crowned World Champion. Bringing his experience, pure speed, racing talent and tenacious fighting spirit, the German rider has ensured fans were entertained to the very last lap and took the title in sensational style in Qatar.

Heading over the Phillip Island for his WorldSSP debut in February, Cortese was recharged and ready for the fight after a difficult winter. Taking to his YZF-R6 for only the second time in the official test, he finished top four overall ahead of the start of the season. And what followed in the Yamaha Finance Australian Round was sensational from Cortese, fighting with the experienced front runners for the podium which boiled down to a breath-taking final lap as he took a podium position, and the fastest lap of the race from Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team). Cortese had already arrived in round one.

Heading west to Thailand for round two, this was a new track for the 28 year old so a true test of his skills with his new bike. Facing the heat as well as the circuit, he took home a fourth position finish from a fourth place grid start. An impressive effort for a rookie in the ever competitive class. But he was now preparing for tracks he was familiar with and was full of motivation. MotorLand Aragon marked the start of the European season, and for Cortese this marked the start of his championship charge. Coming out and dominating the field in northern Spain, he took pole position and the race win in only his third race, crossing the line 1.4s ahead of his rivals. But as the championship headed straight to TT Circuit Assen, Cortese struggled to match his pace around a track he is so familiar with. Starting from pole position, he couldn’t emulate this into a podium, after a slow start off the line meant he suffered in the 18 lap battle.

Dusting himself off heading to the historic Imola circuit, the rookie was only seven points off the top of the standings and the battle in WorldSSP was as tense as ever. A new track for the German, Imola is notoriously tight, twisty and technical and it was set to be a hard task for a newbie. But Cortese showed a true champions attitude, starting from ninth on the grid and fought to secure a top four finish around a circuit which is difficult to overtake. But it was a return to the top in the UK, as he set to take on Donington Park for the first time since 2009 when he was racing in the 125cc World Championship.

Sunny skies welcomed the paddock at Donington Park, and sunny smiles were met off it from Cortese and his team. Securing third on the grid as he continued to get used to the Superpole format of a 15 minute ‘dash’, he was a man determined out on track. Crossing the line 1.3s ahead of his main title rival Jules Cluzel (NRT), it was clear that when all the packages came together, Cortese was unstoppable. His grand performance in Great Britain meant he now led the world championship standings for the first time, with an advantage of seven points over Cluzel.

There were now two new tracks ahead of him, putting him in a strong position to extend his championship lead. In the humid conditions at Automotodrom Brno, the German was unable to convert his pole position into a win; but secured second as he was unable to catch Cluzel to the line. In the final race before the summer break, Misano proved a tough track for Cortese and his Yamaha but he could convert a fifth on the grid to third in the race, taking home another trophy and as a result a five point championship lead into the break.

Returning ready to fight in Portugal, tests throughout the summer helped him to understand the rollercoaster nature of the track. But drama struck in the opening laps as a hot-headed Cortese was unable to make a move up the inside of Cluzel stick, and the pair crashed out as a result. Not giving up, the German put on a sensational fightback as he was able to get back on his bike and take a fifth position finish, salvaging 11 points and keeping a hold of his lead in the standings. Another new track of Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours followed, and for Cortese it was time to start thinking of the title. Unable to catch Cluzel on his home turf, he secured a second position finish meaning he now had the first opportunity to take the title in Argentina, heading with an 11 point advantage.

With all riders on even ground at Circuito San Juan Villicum, it was a welcomed change for the Yamaha rider. But despite putting his all into the race, he was unable to stop Cluzel and the fight went down to Qatar. All the German had to do in Qatar was finish in the top two to take the title, which was done with his usual tenacious battling out on track, to crown him 2018 FIM Supersport World Champion.

Only the second German to ever win the WorldSSP title, the story of Cortese’s sensational season has been consistency and will go down in history as the first man to win the Moto3™ and WorldSSP crown.

You can congratulate Cortese on social media using #CorteseChamp.

Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing): “I am so speechless! I am so happy and I can enjoy this moment. I have to say thank you to my team, they picked me up after such a difficult winter, I had no ride and they believed in me. I think we did the maximum we could this year, we gave everything all year, and the people in my team are great. And a final thank you to my family, they helped me in hard times and I cant wait to get back home!”

WorldSSP Race at Losail 1. Lucas Mahias Yamaha 2. Sandro Cortese Yamaha +2.000 3. Federico Caricasulo Yamaha +3.137

WorldSSP Championship Standings Pirelli Qatar Round: 1. Sandro Cortese (GER) Yamaha (208 points) 2. Lucas Mahias (FRA) Yamaha (183 points) 3. Jules Cluzel (FRA) Yamaha (185 points)

Sandro Cortese WorldSSP Career Statistics Titles: 1 Race Starts: 12 Wins: 2 Podiums: 8 Poles: 3 Fastest laps: 7

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rujvie07 · 6 years

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Rammohan Paranjape: the first and only surf-photographer of India

“I didn’t want to simply end up graduating, finding a job, getting settled and working a desk job for somebody.” – Rammohan Paranjape

How do you see your life at the age of 16? Where do you think of your life would head?

We might not know what the life has in offerings for us, but lucky are those who know what they don’t want for sure. Rammohan Paranjape is one of those lucky ones. At the age of 16, this college dropout was all set to lead his life how he had seen. Dismissing the stereotypical methods provided by the society, he chose his subjects to carve his life, his career for him. He chose a sport like surfing and a passion for photography. Today, Rammohan is the first and only surf-photographer who has captured world’s best surfers in his camera. He has surfed across many oceans of the world and made adventure and travelling his lifestyle. What we say- Like a boss!

Let’s here Rammohan’s story in his own words:

Who is Ram?

Haha! Good question. This is a question which I ask myself from time to time. I truly believe that we are all on a path of self-discovery in our lives where we evolve as a person with our goals, aspirations, personalities, relationships and so on. The idea is how well or positively we can do that and how we can make this world a better place to be in. Hence, Who is Ram is a thought I deeply engage in from time to time to be better at what I do.

Tell us about your earlier life:

My earlier life was that of a student until I dropped out of college at the age of 16. My student life was very much like any other normal teenager. I was good at both academics and sports and truly enjoyed the time I spent in high school.

‘India’s first and only Surf Photographer’ – where did this journey begin? How did you become the surfer first of all?

After finishing my high school and securing distinction in my 10th grade, I took up science in my pre-university. But somewhere between all that, I was able to see where things were going and what was in store for me. I didn’t want to simply end up graduating, finding a job, getting settled and end up working a desk job for somebody. Around the same time, some of my childhood friends had just started surfing and were one of the first generation surfers in India which got me interested in surfing, apart from that, I was also very inclined towards spirituality. I basically followed my instincts from there onwards.

How did you combine photography and surfing?

Surfing & Photography kinda happened at the same time. These were the two things I was introduced to when I dropped out of my college. Surfing was something very exciting and new and photography was to fulfil my creative longing. I pursued both with a lot of passion and interest and tried to learn as much as I could and still do. Surfing has provided me with an opportunity to carve a career and business interests in India as the sports grows. Surf photography has got me immense recognition and appreciation in what I do. What do you say about Indian Surf Destinations?

India has plenty of good surfing spots or destinations one can experience from beginners to advanced level. It will never be like Bali, Hawaii or Australia but I believe that surfing being a huge lifestyle sport, many of these surf towns will play a major role as surfing hubs and make surfing more popular.

Which is your favourite surf destination in India?

My favourite will always be my home break which is Mulki, 30 km north of Mangalore. That’s where I learnt to surf and is considered as the home of surfing in India.

Why do you think we don’t have many celebrated surfers in India?

Since surfing is still a new sport, it is yet to catch the imagination of many Indians but there are a few surfers who are doing well in terms of recognition and popularity.

Which was the longest surf trip you have had?

I have had few long trips but I think my first ever surf trip to Andamans was quite long and painful in the sense we camped in the middle of nowhere in some remote island for 2 weeks where we surfed, carried water for 2 miles every day, cooked our own food and had to survive the summer heat with mosquitoes and sand fleas. At the end of it, we were completely exhausted, mentally and physically.

Please share one of your most memorable experiences till now in surfing:

A couple of years ago I was in Fiji at Cloudbreak, one of the most dangerous waves on the planet and watched some of the best surfers in action. I didn’t surf but took plenty of photos. The experience of watching the action from a boat in the middle of Pacific Ocean was quite a memorable experience.

Which is your most favourite surf trip and photograph you have clicked till now?

One of my favourite trips was about 6 years back when I did a surf trip with Craig Anderson to Lakshadweep Islands, that trip had some of the most amazing surfers and big names. Some images of Craig Anderson surfing are of my favourites.

You swam with Rajan, the elephant. Please share your experience with us.

Ahh… Swimming with Rajan is something which I will always cherish in my life. One of the greatest experiences of my life I would say. It happened on a trip with Godrej Cinthol to Andamans. I think I had won their blogging contest and we had gone to Havelock Island where Rajan was. We were lucky on that particular day; he came out to swim and spent about 30 minutes gently swimming in the sea. I, fortunately, had all my camera gears and was ready to capture some photos. Mind you, it’s very expensive and the caretakers don’t force him to swim if he doesn’t want to swim, we were lucky that day!

Tell us more about your love for adventure and travel:

I love adventures and growing up as a kid, I only used to read books of various travellers and their adventures which always left a huge impact on me. Today I am so fortunate that I am able to live that dream of travelling and having many adventures around the world. I feel I still have lots to do, see and experience but I know I will be chasing adventures for the rest of my life.

About your Surf Photography Exhibition:

When did you arrange it?

Having my own solo photo exhibition had always been my dream but I never took the step of organizing one until my good friend Mr Arun Vasu, CMD of TT Group in Chennai actually organized this photo exhibition for me; the venue, invitees, PR etc….. All I had to do was just choose my photos and get them printed.

How was the response you received?

The response was incredible! We had Gautam Menon, an acclaimed movie director in South film industry open the exhibition. We had lots of media and press who covered the 2-day exhibit. This was for the first time most of my surf photos were printed that big and were displayed. People really appreciated the effort taken behind these photos. I sold quite a few prints as well. Overall, it was a big success and I plan to take it to Bangalore and Mumbai later this year. Tell us about your future plans and projects:

I am going to keep working on promoting and developing the sport of surfing in India. I have always enjoyed working on new things and the challenges which come with it. I am also in the process of making a surf movie – a travel documentary series which I am in talks with a few production houses. It’s an ambitious venture but I am quite determined. Otherwise, we are also working on opening a surf camp in Andamans in the hospitality industry. Let’s see how it goes

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sbknews · 6 years

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Jonathan Rea secures 2018 WorldSBK Championship crown

After facing one of his toughest challenges yet, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has secured another stunning feat, taking his fourth consecutive MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title by a sensational 130 points.

At 31 years of age, the racer from Ballymena in Northern Ireland is continuing to make history with the unstoppable combination of his racing talent and the ZX-10RR. Since joining Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK in 2016, Rea has been a winning machine, taking four back to back world titles and 52 victories in four seasons. Making history in 2018 by breaking the overall victory record of 60 wins in WorldSBK with a race one victory at Brno, he has now become only the second rider to take four titles in the world’s fastest production based motorbike championship, and the first to do so consecutively.

2018 has proven to be his biggest challenge, as himself and his Provec Racing squad have been working around the new regulations which were introduced this season – aiming to create more parity throughout the class. Adding extra challenges, Rea took it all in his stride and despite a tough opening round at Phillip Island Grand Prix which saw him hindered by the flu and a pre-season finger injury. Leaving Australia with a top five and second position finish, he was ready to bounce back in Thailand.

Chang International Circuit was the setting for the second round of the season, and Rea was back to his best in race one – taking the victory by 1.5s after a strong fight from Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Team) and Chaz Davies’ (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) Panigale R machines. However race two threw up some challenges, as his Ninja machine had some brake issues in the Thai heat meaning he could only secure a top four finish. Leading the championship charge as the series headed to Europe, there was never a doubt Rea was the man to beat.

Beginning what was set to be an intense part of the season, the British rider once again took the victory in race one as the series took on MotorLand Aragon in a stunning performance. But the reversed grid rules offered a challenge to Rea in race two, and he was unable to match Davies’ pace as he took second position in Spain. With the championship heading straight to TT Circuit Assen for a back to back race weekend, Rea was ready to take on his new crown as the King of Assen. With a stunning record around the Dutch circuit, a win in race one meant he was the most successful rider at Assen. But he was unable to stop team-mate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in race two, after the British rider put on a stunning performance.

Taking on Ducati territory at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrai di Imola for round five, Rea found his time to shine in 2018. Taking a double victory around the notoriously tight and twisty track, he also secured his 59th WorldSBK win and got one step closer to the overall win record. Stunning with his pace around the technical Italian circuit, he was able to leave Imola with a 47 point championship lead and on the verge of making more history.

Welcoming a return to his home turf of Donington Park, Rea had a more difficult weekend in Leicestershire – suffering from arm pump. Unable to hold off the stunning pace from debut winner Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team), Rea left the United Kingdom with a second and third position finish but an extension of his championship lead. Determined to be back on top in round seven, Automotodrom Brno was a weekend of ups and downs in Rea’s title chase. Experiencing ecstasy in race one, with his 60th victory to secure him the overall win record in WorldSBK, he saw heartbreak in race two with his first DNF of the season following a coming together with his team-mate.

But off the back of his DNF, he went onto win four races in a row. Stunning under the Californian sunshine of Laguna Seca, Rea was untouchable around the fast and flowing circuit and he looked to be riding his ZX-10RR on rails. Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli was the setting for round nine, and the round before the summer break. Important to enter the break off the back of a strong weekend, Rea was once again unstoppable with his team and he took a stunning double victory, although had to work for it in race two.

After nine weeks away from racing action, the Nolan Portuguese Round welcomed a sensational return to action for Rea, and he was able to secure his third consecutive double victory in Portugal. On top of this, it was his fifth and sixth consecutive victory in 2018 and he now had one hand on the world title after a sweltering weekend at the undulating track.

Returning to the scene of the track which saw Rea take his 2017 crown, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours took on another huge importance for the Northern Irishman. But he was on such a roll heading to France, it was hard to see anyone stopping him, and no one did. Rea was crowned world champion in France for the second season in succession, writing even more history as he takes a sensational fourth back to back title.

Is there any stopping Rea? As he continues to make history and headlines, you can congratulate him with: #RE4CH4MP.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK): “It’s absolutely incredible, I don’t have many words, we just played our cards perfectly this weekend with one lap pace and trying to be fast over the race but feel so blessed and lucky right now. I was just a young kid with a dream from Northern Ireland and now I’m four times world champion and its beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to everyone for believing in me over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you all. Thank you.”

WorldSBK Race One at Magny-Cours 1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki 2. Tom Sykes Kawasaki +3.091 3. Xavi Fores Ducati +8.558

WorldSBK Championship Standings Acerbis French Round: 1. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki (445 points) 2. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati (315 points) 3. Michael van der Mark (NED) Yamaha (293 points)

World Superbike

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#JonathanRea #RE4CH4MP #WorldSBK

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sbknews · 7 years

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New Post has been published on Superbike News

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Jonathan Rea takes record breaking third consecutive WorldSBK title

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When someone asks you when Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) made history by winning three back to back WorldSBK titles, you will remember 30th September 2017, as the Northern Irishman has been crowned MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion this weekend in France. A match made in heaven with his Ninja ZX-10RR, Rea took the crown in race one with a stunning display of pure race craft. The 31 year old has made this seasons dominance seem effortless, and as he lifts the third consecutive title in a row he has cemented his name in the history books along the way.

Beginning his racing career in motocross, Rea moved over to the tarmac as he began to compete in the British domestic series. Making the step up onto the world stage in 2008 in WorldSSP, he quickly found his feet and moved into the World Superbike class with Honda – taking 15 victories overall. Swapping to a green machine in 2015, Rea quickly adapted to his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja, and he secured his debut world title that same season.

It was from here the Northern Irish born rider became unstoppable as he took the 2016 title in style at the final round in Qatar, finishing a narrow 51 points ahead of team-mate Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team). Becoming the first champion of this millennium to secure back to back titles, he then went into 2017 looking to make history.

A strong winter of pre-season testing stood the 31 year old in good sted ahead of his title defence, and he began the season in true Rea style with pole position and a double victory around the Australian circuit of Phillip Island. Round Two in Buriram saw the dominance continue with another double victory and pole position, heading to Europe with a 30 point lead in the championship standings.

With already such a strong lead in the standings, the rider from Ballymena didn’t show any signs of slowing down. Rea was able to stop British rival Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) around MotorLand Aragon to take the victory in race one, before continuing his stunning run of victories at the TT Circuit Assen for Round Four, making it 11 wins in The Netherlands.

Rea faced some tough competition in the mid-part of the season, with Davies dominant in front of the Ducatisti around Imola and Sykes heading to his preferred circuit of Donington Park, but the champion continued with his consistency throughout the Rounds, only finishing off the podium once in Race One around Donington Park following a tyre issue.

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Heading into the summer break with a 59 point lead following victories at Misano and Laguna Seca, talk of Rea securing the title this season had already began, of which he brushed off. Returning on track in August to the Lausitzring circuit, Rea again struggled to hold off Davies’ domination, but two podium finishes didn’t leave the reigning champion worried. Producing a masterclass of a double victory in Portugal seemed to seal the deal for Rea, whilst his team-mate and main title rival Sykes was forced to watch from the sidelines. Heading to Magny-Cours, Rea welcomed a fast pace from Friday and was able to secure pole position as the rain fell on Saturday morning. The title fight was never in doubt, as the Northern Irishman put in a stunning performance to dominate the 21 lap race in wet conditions, to take the title and his 12th victory of the season.

After securing this historic title, Rea is quickly becoming known as one of WorldSBK’s greats, with compatriot Cal Fogarty’s records in his sights. Ever the fan favourite and a dedicated family man, the three time champion is making his mark on the series in a big way and the question will continue to be asked; how many more can he win?

Congratulate the first ever triple back-to-back world champion using #R3PEAT or #JR3PEAT on social media.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team): “To be honest I can’t sum up my emotions, I feel quite numb. I just feel super proud of my team and Kawasaki. It has been such a team effort, even though I’m the guy who rode it over the line, there have been so many people involved to make it possible.

Every season is different and special in it’s own individual way. 2015 was a seamless year, I joined a high level team with a well developed bike. I jumped on a bike that was ready to win and we won. 2016 was more special because we had a completely new ZX.10R, and I’m really proud of my team for the constant development. We had a lot of success last season and although we didn’t score as many points, we were able to understand the bike and it was a lot more difficult, so it was a lot harder.

This season we showed the strength of team, the manufacturer the strength of Pere, and we went through some hard winter tests and we worked through the problems, and were able to go out an win at Phillip Island. I have to say thank you to Mr Matusda and everyone back in Japan as they work so hard to allow me to live my dream. I cross the line but there are too many names on the list who are involved to say thank you.

Straight away I am thinking about tomorrow and the end of the season. 2018 as a whole looks uncertain and we need to understand how the bike will work with some new regulations. Winter testing will be so important, and when we turn our attentions to 2018, I am 100% confident in my team and Kawasaki that we will always give our 100%.”

#FrenchWorldSBK at Magny-Cours: Race 1 1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki 2. Marco Melandri Ducati +16.316 3. Tom Sykes Kawasaki +16.666

Championship Standings after Race 1, Round 11 1. Jonathan Rea (GBR) Kawasaki (456 points) 2. Tom Sykes (GBR) Kawasaki (327 points) 3. Chaz Davies (GBR) Ducati (302 points)

Jonathan Rea WorldSBK Career Statistics Titles: 3 Race Starts: 213 Wins: 50 Podiums: 108 Poles: 13 Fastest laps: 11

The Kawasaki Z900 is unleashed for A2 riders

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#Jonathan Rea #JR3PEAT #R3PEAT

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