Eagle flies out

ONE of the region's most experienced motorcycle road-racers has flown to Australia to prepare for one of the biggest motorcycle road-racing events of his career.

This weekend 42-year-old Paul Eagle will be part of the 15-man team representing Great Britain in the Trans Pacific Cup - a post-classic road-racing event that features Great Britain against a team of Australians and a further team of Kiwis at the famous Phillip Island Motor Racing Circuit near Melbourne.

Last year the Australians were the victors, followed closely by the Kiwis.

This year, however, team GB are hoping to favour more prominently in the results and Eagle is relieved that he will be able to compete aboard his own machine, and not on bike leant to him by the Australians.

“Last year's event was eventful to say the least - after hearing that the container ship transporting our bikes to Australia broke down around Spain.

“Luckily the Aussies stepped in and leant us some bikes. Even so, it was rather daunting knowing that I was going to be riding a completely alien machine.

“Thankfully our bikes have arrived safe-and-sound for this year's event.”

One of the highlights for Eagle will be competing against one of the greatest Australian motorcycle racers of all-time, Wayne Garner.

“I'm really looking forward to racing against Wayne, not many people can say they've raced against a 500cc World Champion.”

Eagle will take part in two races on Saturday and a further two on Sunday.

The event will signal the start of what is to be a busy season for the Burstall-based caterer in which he will again compete in the Classic Racing MCC's Pre-84 Post-Classic Championship as well as racing in the Manx GP on the Isle of Man in August.

Eagle has also acquired an Ex-Virgin 2003 Yamaha R1 with the intention of gaining sponsorship to race at selected rounds in the British Superbike privateer cup.