MARIA TO APPEAR AT THE HONDA RACING SHOW.
Click here to view full details.
News
14 May 2009
MARIA COSTELLO MAKES HER MUCH ANTICIPATED RETURN TO THE KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL NORTH WEST 200 ROAD RACES THIS WEEK
The Northamptonshire based racer achieved a sensational podium finish in the 400cc class upon her first visit to the event in 2005. Recent attempts to return to compete on this north coast road race have been plagued by injury and misfortune.
Maria is the only female competitor at this year's event, she can be spotted onboard a VRS Performance Kawasaki 600 cc machine, one of many bikes from the Robbie Silvester stable, in both Supersport races. Having agreed to compete on his machinery at the Manx Grand Prix, Maria felt the fast NW200 course would be ideal preparation for learning about machine set up.
Sunshine bathed the Irish north coast for the events first practice session on Tuesday evening. Maria wasn't able to capitalize on the almost perfect conditions as a mechanical failure forced her to retire at University Corner on only her second lap of the session.
Costello is remaining optimistic with regards to the remainder of the week despite the threat of rain expected for the second and final practice session on Thursday night.
Maria comments:
"Robbie and the team are working flat out to repair the bike. Should we run out of time to get it finished before practice tonight we do have the option of using a different machine in the form of a Yamaha R6. Obviously rain could ruin my chances as times would be taken from Tuesday's dry qualifying session, so I'm obviously hoping for a sunny Thursday evening!"
The North West 200 is celebrating its eightieth anniversary and is recognised to be Northern Ireland's largest single day sporting event. Around one hundred and twenty thousand spectators are expected to gather around the 8.96 mile triangle circuit for Saturday's races.
For more information about the NW200 go to: http://www.northwest200.org
To follow Maria's progress go to: www.costelloracing.com
News
05 April 2009
PODIUM FINISHES FOR THE COSTELLO REDMOND RACING TEAM AT DEBUT EVENT
The Costello Redmond Racing Team got their first ever racing season off to a fantastic start at the opening round of the 2009 Hottrax Endurance Championships taking podium places in both the three and six hour TAG endurance races. The team spirit was high as five members of the Costello Redmond Racing team lined up for their first ever race at the friendly Mallory Park race circuit. The three man team of total novices Derek Redmond, Andy Dix and Craig Allamby took on the daunting task of completing a six hour TAG endurance race, whilst Jon Leach partnered experienced racer Maria Costello in the three hour TAG event.
The six hour team had to contend with more than their fair share of difficulties during their debut event. Persistent oil leaks and a spill at the infamous Edwina’s chicane by the Dorchester based Allamby did nothing to deter them. Craig Allamby, racer in the Senior 6 hour TAG team comments: ‘From the moment I got to Mallory I was buzzing. Sunday morning came and brought with it lovely weather and an electric atmosphere. Qualifying went well, 18th with a 1'00.06 lap. The start procedure was an experience, Derek got us off to a flying start. My initial nerves calmed down as I settled in to my first stint until the back end of the bike came round and spat me, tumbling like a 17 stone Russian gymnast, in to the gravel trap. I had to run around the outside of the track to return the transponder to enable the team to continue.
Derek and Andy Sorry took up the slack until my bike got fixed and an all in all it was a fantastic weekend. One thing I did learn is that it’s a marathon not a sprint.’The ever smiling Derek Redmond who was more at home during the Le Man start run to the bike and ‘IceMan’ Andy Dix continued adding laps until the third bike could be recovered.
It was their consistency combined with the dedicated help of two mechanics from IP Performance that saw them take the chequered flag in a commendable 3rd place in the Senior TAG Six Hour Endurance race. The Costello and Leach duo enjoyed a far easier introduction to the 2009 endurance championship. The youngest of the CRR team, one experienced and one with only a single race under his belt, settled in to the three hour TAG race with ease. Jon Leach qualified the team in fourth place whilst Costello got the task of starting the race with a Le Man style start.
The race was fraught with accidents and the pace car was out on numerous occasions and at one point the race came to a complete halt when an incident was red flagged, the team wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
The duo remained consistent throughout and crossed the line in second place just one lap down from the winners. Jon Leach, racer in the 3 hour Tag team comments:“It really helped that we all clicked, having a great team of people around Maria and I made the difference, big thanks to Andy and Tim for their awesome spanner work and Shelby and Greg for the pit boarding. Drew Tommons, racer and team photographer comments: 'The friendliness of the event was remarkable. There was a genuine camaraderie among the teams and a relaxed atmosphere in the paddock.
For the team to get such great results on its first outing was the icing on the cake. 'The general consensus of the team was of total elation – the first outing for team Costello Redmond racing had been a great success. Roll on round two! Round Two is at Snetterton in two weeks time and the programme returns to a two day format with practice, Junior and MotoGrande racing on the Saturday and MotoGrande, National, Seniors and Masters racing on Sunday.
Check out the teams FACEBOOK page at:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=89331037488&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=42498256300
For more information about the series go to: http://hottrax-motorsport.co.uk/
Team GBmoto website is:http://www.gbmoto.co.uk
To follow Maria's progress go to: www.costelloracing.com
News
17 September 2008
SOLID POINTS FOR GBMOTO JUNIOR TAG ENDURANCE TEAM
Maria Costello & Phill Clarke teamed up at Mallory Park for the sixth round of the Hottrax Endurance Championship and came away with a fifth place finish and solid points after a difficult days racing. At Maria's local track, Mallory Park, and aboard the BERING sponsored Philip Youles Triumph Daytona 675, the Northamptonshire lass teamed up with GBmoto team member Phill Clarke for her second Junior TAG endurance race.
After qualifying 6th in class, Costello was nominated to do the Le Man style start. After an average get away she started making progress, working her way through the traffic until a crash at Edwina's Chicane forced the organisers to send out the pace car. Maria stayed out and completed her stint once the pace car left the track. She posted the team's fastest lap of the day on lap 29 with a time of 58.0 seconds.
Phill then headed out for his first stint but disaster struck when he crashed heavily upon entry in to the fast corner Gerrard's on his first flying lap. Astonishingly he was uninjured and picked himself and the bike up and heroically completed his full 25 minute stint. During Maria's second stint there was another crash at Edwina's which caused the pace car to be sent out again, this was then followed by a red flag and the race was brought to a complete halt.
All the bikes were held on the start straight,paddock stands and team members were allowed on to the track to offer refreshment to the riders as it turned in a long delay. An hour later the racing resumed, Maria completed five more laps before handing back over to Phill, who had been using the time to repair his bike with the thankful help of Dominic Cann [Maria's boyfriend who was team mechanic for the day]. Just as Phill was shown the 'IN' sign on the pit board, having completed his stint, when adversity struck again and Phill was spotted coasting down Devil's Elbow, his Kawasaki had lost all power.
Phill had to resort to pushing his bike back to the pits to return the transponder for Maria to continue the race. Dominic ran up to meet him in pit lane and grabbed the transponder running back to fix it to Maria's bike and she headed off for her final stint. Phill's break from riding wasn't much of a rest as he and Dominic set about finding and fixing the fault. A fuel hose had come off the bikes fuel injection system, probably as a result of the earlier crash, thankfully it was a simple repair and Phill was ready for his final shift on the Kawasaki ZX6R. At the precise moment Maria returned to the pit box a red flag went out and the race was brought to yet another halt. Phill hadn't made it on to the track and therefore had to wait in pit lane. Another hour delay ensued but this played in to our hands as it meant their was only 30 more minutes left of the race, the maximum amount of time a rider can stay out on track.
Phill could do the entire stint and whilst other teams would lose time having to pit and change rider Team GBmoto could hopefully gain some lost time. With half an hour to go Team GBmoto were in 6th place. The earlier crash and fuel problem had cost them 2-3 laps but they still had a chance of stealing 5th place from Team Gasi who were 46 seconds ahead. In the final minute of the race Phill passed the Team Gasi rider grabbing 5th place and some solid points to consolidate the team's second place in the Championship.
In the end, due to all the delays, the three hour race had taken a total of six hours to run. It was a great effort by the whole team during a day filled with drama. Without the crash GBmoto would definitely have been challenging for a podium or a win but they will now have to wait until the final round at Silverstone, another local circuit for Costello, on the 11th October.
For more information about the series go to: http://hottrax-motorsport.co.uk/
Team GBmoto website is:http://www.gbmoto.co.uk
To follow Maria's progress go to: www.costelloracing.com
News
04 August 2008
Maria Costello Ready For 'Home' Race
Mallory Park circuit, in Leicestershire plays host to round six of the Hottrax Endurance Championship this Sunday, not only is this a local track for Maria Costello who will be competing for Team GBmoto but it’s also a circuit that holds great significance for the Northamptonshire based racer. Maria achieved many of her racing career ‘firsts’ at what is known as the ‘Friendly Circuit’. Ranging from completing her first ever track day, to having her first crash and broken bone to taking her first win.
The memories at this track are close to Maria’s heart and she is looking forward to returning there this Sunday as part of the GBmoto Team to compete on her Philip Youles Triumph Daytona in the three hour Hottrax Junior TAG Endurance Race. “I’m looking forward to this weekend’s race, not only because it’s local so my family and friends can come along to watch but it will be great to be back in the highly professional GBmoto team,” added a smiling Costello.
Having just returned from the Isle of Man finishing in a solid sixth place at the Manx Grand Prix and with a win under her belt from the Snetterton round of the Hottrax Endurance Championship, Maria will be hoping for a good performance on Sunday despite not having raced the Leicestershire track for over a year. This is Maria’s second time competing in endurance racing, after being drafted in to the GBmoto team earlier in the season and with good support from the former World Endurance team perhaps Maria will have yet another first to add to her list?
For more information about the series go to: http://hottrax-motorsport.co.uk
Team GBmoto website is: http://www.gbmoto.co.uk
To follow Maria’s progress go to: www.costelloracing.com
News
30 August 2008
Manx Grand Prix - Ultra-Lightweight Race 2008
The races finally ran today with the Ultra-Lightweight starting at 4pm [over 24 hours later than expected] and I finished 6th! I'm happy.
Massive thanks to Domski, Mark Mann - Webtech Software Ltd, Tony - CMS, Scott Physio, David Sutton and all the people who have made this event possible. I didn't think it was going to run today and I'd like to send out a massive THANK YOU to all the marshals who made todays races [and all of the practice and races] possible - you deserve medals for what you do!
Thanks also to all the well wishers and for all the congratulations I've received - your support means a lot to me. I'll fill you in on all the details later - I'm off to celebrate x
News
29 July 2008
Costello's Triumph 675 gets more horse power in time for TAG Endurance Race
The TT’s fastest female, Maria Costello, is looking forward to a new challenge this weekend as she prepares to participate in her first ever TAG Endurance event on board a freshly modified Philip Youles Triumph Daytona 675. The petite blonde recently secured a ride in the existing GBmoto Junior Team alongside Phill Clarke, when his former team mate Sam Godfrey had to pull out due to injury.
Costello is especially looking forward to this weekends outing as her 675 has been given extra horse power due to modifications completed by Triumph aces Bruce and Trigger at JT Engine Developments, the very same engine developers who prepare and maintain the MAP Embassy British Supersport Triumphs ridden by Glen Richards and Paul Young.“Securing the ride in the GBmoto Junior TAG couldn’t have happened at a more perfect time, the long periods of track time will be perfect preparation for the forthcoming Manx Grand Prix [16th – 29th Augwww.iommgp.com] and it will also be a great shake down of the newly modified Triumph.” Smiled Costello.
The modifications were made possible thanks to a new sponsor from the Isle of Man - Webtech Software.The Junior TAG endurance race takes place at Norfolk’s Snetterton race track this Saturday.
For more information about the GBmoto team go to: http://www.gbmoto.co.uk
For more information about the series go to: http://hottrax-motorsport.co.uk/
News
13 July 2008
Webtech Software Ltd is Costello's New Manx Sponsor.
The TT’s fastest female may not have been able to compete, on an equal footing, at this year’s Manx Grand Prix without the sponsorship she has received from Manx business Webtech Software Ltd. “Getting an email, out of the blue, from Mark Mann offering support has really turned around this year’s event for me. Without his sponsorship I would be in a very different situation. To be honest I don’t know how I would have got here.” Said Maria Costello.
Based in the Isle of Man, Webtech Software is always keen to promote Manx sporting events and have provided local sponsorship to participants in football, motocross and in particular motorcycle racing, and have regularly supported competitors in the TT.
Mark Mann, Director of Webtech Software comments:
“It looked like it might be touch and go whether Maria would be in a position to compete in the forthcoming Manx GP following a rather difficult start to the 2008 season involving injury and machinery problems. We felt that, given Maria’s standing in the road racing world, this would detract from the event and were therefore delighted when Maria accepted our offer of support. We would therefore like to wish Maria every success in the Manx GP and hope that the sponsorship we have provided helps her to maintain her record as the fastest woman around the TT course.” Maria made history at the Manx Grand Prix in 2005 when she became the first woman solo racer to finish on the podium, she will be competing on two machines at this years MGP; her Philip Youles Triumph Daytona 675 in the Junior and on her BERING Honda RVF400 in the Ultra-lightweight Race. The Manx Grand Prix runs between the 16th and 29th August.
For more information about Webtech Software Ltd go to: http://www.webtech-software.com
To follow Maria’s progress log on to her website www.costelloracing.com
News
04 August 2008
Maria Costello & Sam Neate make a winning pair in their TAG Endurance debut
Stand in rider Maria Costello and last minute replacement Sam Neate were the new winning line up for the GBmoto Junior TAG Team at the Snetterton round of the Hottrax Endurance series. The unlikely pairing of the TT's fastest female and 16 year old Sam Neate, who was only due to take part in the MotoGrande race that day, went on to take the 600 class win by three laps and finished second overall in the three hour Junior TAG endurance race.
Brought together at the last moment when existing team GBmoto member Phill Clarke was forced out due to mechanical failure in practice. GBmoto team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen had the task of finding yet another replacement rider after only recently drafting Maria Costello in to the team to replace the injured Sam Godfrey.
Mark Smith-Halvorsen comments:
"As a last minute pairing the outcome couldn't have been better. We'd put no pressure on them especially when the conditions got difficult with the heavy rain fall. We're just glad that we could give them the opportunity."
Maria Costello comments:
"All credit to the GBmoto team they were outstanding, really professional and very slick, they had everything covered and made me so welcome, I've loved being part of the team. And what can I say about my last minute team mate Sam Neate, he's just 16 years old and definitely one to watch out for in the future."
With an endurance class win under her belt Maria Costello can look forward to the forthcoming Manx Grand Prix which runs from the16th - 29th August. The Northamptonshire based racer will be competing on both her Philip Youles & Webtech Software sponsored Triumph Daytona 675 and BERING & CMS sponsored Honda RVF400 at the Isle of Man event.
News
27 June 2008
MARIA COSTELLO AT ROBSPEED BIKE NIGHT
Robspeed BIKE NITE is in conjunction with TROPHY UK Ltd. Cadwell Park on 17th July 2008. From 5.00pm until late. Including a track evening! As well as TROPHY UK Ltd exhibiting from its exciting range of seven motorcycle clothing brands; BERING, SEGURA, BAGSTER, BLH, STT, Cameron & Bullster.
This exhibitor will also be bringing along a few extra attractions in the form of two of its sponsored riders and their machines; Maria Costello, the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course will be exhibiting her Philip Youles Triumph Daytona 675 and BERING Honda RVF400 race bikes. And you’ll not only be able to get up close to this fast female herself but how about getting up close and personal with her BERING race leathers which will also be on display. Maria will also be signing autographs and you’ll be able to buy ‘one off’ signed prints of the TT lap record holder in action.
Trophy UK’s second rider comes in the form of a top UK Stunt rider also BERING sponsored. Ghostie is his name and he’ll be performing numerous sets on the night down on the start finish straight once the track evening has concluded. He’s one of those talented guys who can make a bike do your jaw dropping stunts – so don’t miss out on catching a glimpse of Ghostie doing his stuff! Live music from VAMP! Lincolnshire’s Air Ambulance collections will be taking place all evening plus you’ll get a chance to see their air ambulance helicopter up close.
The Royal Airforce Display Team – THE RED ARROWS will be doing a fly past * subject to conditions and confirmation. Camping available at £5 per person For more information on the event call ROBSPEED on 01472 268714 or go to: www.robspeed.com For more information about TROPHY UK Ltd and the seven clothing and accessory brands it represents contact: TROPHY UK LTD - BAGSTER TOWERS - BRIDGE STREET - ABERGELE - LL22 7HA. TELEPHONE: 01745 823333
News
15 August 2006
THE ISLE OF MAN'S FASTEST WOMAN RACER AIMS TO BE THE FIRST FEMALE TO WIN AN ISLE OF MAN SOLO RACE.
Maria Costello already holds a Guinness World Record as the fastest lady to lap the Isle of Man TT course. Last year she finished third and made history by becoming the first woman to stand on the podium. This year she will be aiming to break records and become the first woman to win a solo race around the infamous TT course.
Costello will be competing in two races at this years event. Her first race will be the Junior where she will be looking to improve on her record lap of 114.73mph onboard her RLR Motorsports tuned Bering Honda CBR600RR. In the Ultra Lightweight race she will ride yet another 400 from the RLR Motorsports stable, last year Maria finished third on an RLR Honda RVF400, this year she is riding the injected RLR Honda CBR400i kindly loaned to her by owner/racer Mark Hornsey. Costello has already competed on this bike in her debut at the Southern 100 where she had a solid finish, as the 7th 400 to cross the line and 15th overall in the combined 125cc/400cc race.
"This event means so much to me, I love racing the TT course and I've been looking forward to doing just that since the start of the season. I had a set back at the start of 2006, breaking my collarbone while practicing in France at Le Man, which resulted in an operation, but my recovery was amazing thanks to great surgery and rehab. So now, with my goals in sight, I will go and race my favourite track with the aim of achieving them.
Costello is no stranger to the Manx GP having first competed in the event back in 1996 when she finished 10th in the Manx Senior Newcomers Race. In 2002 Maria officially took the record of the fastest woman at the Manx GP recording a fastest lap of 110.25mph. Next time round, in 2003, Maria beat her existing lap record and clocked up 113.52mph. In 2004 Costello became the TT's fastest ever woman and headed up the top ten at the Manx GP, finishing the senior event in 8th place and last year she made history by finishing third in the Ultra Lightweight race.
Maria and her mechanic, Andy Grimshaw, head off to the Isle of Man on the 17th August to set up in time for practice which starts on Saturday the 19th and runs until August 26th. Her first race is the Junior Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday 30th of August on her Bering Honda CBR600RR. Costello then finishes off race week with the Ultra Lightweight race on Friday 1st September. Practice and race times can be found on www.iommgp.com or by listening to Manx Radio online at www.manxradio.com.
Maria would like to say thank you to all of her sponsors and to new sponsor MUSASHI and special thanks to Andy Grimshaw for his hard work in the run up to this event and to Andy peck for the amazing paintwork.
News
13 April 2006
MARIA TO APPEAR AT THE HONDA RACING SHOW.
Click here to view full details.
17 November 2005
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE'S FEMALE MOTORCYCLE RACER AT THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTSWOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS.
Last night was an amazing evening, I was attending the Sunday times Sportswomen of the Year Awards at the beautiful London's Old Billingsgate Market venue. It was fantastic to see so many of the countries sportswomen all in one place including Claire Connor and the GB women's quadruple sculls team including a friend of mine Francis Houghton and we were all in the presence of royalty, the horsewoman Zara Philips who was up for the main award of the night.
Gill McConway the ECB's Executive Director for Women's Cricket had invited me to join her on the ECB table and after working with the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club physio last year and becoming a real follower of the sport I was delighted join them and I was sat next to former player Wasim Khan (my Dad's going to be so jealous). The GB women's cricket team had been nominated for the Team of the Year award but I won't spoil the suspense you can either watch the awards on Sky Sports tonight or you'll have to wait until Sunday for the next issue of the Sunday Times!
Once the final award was presented a party atmosphere ensued kicked off by former X factor contenders G4 and I got the chance to rub shoulders with (prepare for some name dropping) many of the 2012 Olympic bid team including Lord Coe himself, many sports personalities and presenters including James Cracknell, Jeremy Guscott, Claire Gallagher and Jill Douglas.
Helen Gorman and Mel Berry from the Perfect Motion Sports Marketing team, for whom I'm an 'active' advocate for the East Midlands Sporting Advocate Project, and Alex Russell from the Women's Sports Foundation (who do a great job of trying to bring equality in to sport for women and girls) got some great photographs of us with some of the above so I hope to put them on my website soon.
The only thing that was missing from this fantastic evening was my nomination . Next year with even more success and achievements under my belt combined with my new and existing connections with many of the sports groups and marketing companies I hope to raise the profile of my sport and who knows maybe even get a nomination at the 2006 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards.
21 October 2005
MARIA COSTELLO WINS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
The BBC Sports Awards have been established in the sporting calendar for some time and the evening was a night to recognise both local and national heroes alike and celebrate fantastic sporting achievements from the local volunteer to the International sporting star. The main award was left until the end of the evening and it was a very surprised Maria Costello who was announced as the very first Northamptonshire Sports Personality of the Year. Maria's name will be the first to be engraved on the large trophy, a huge shield, which she was presented with on stage.
An online vote was put to the public and the nominees included World Cup winner and Saints hooker, Steve Thompson MBE, Shaun Murphy who made history when he became the first qualifier to win the Embassy World Title as the lowest ranked player, Peter Ebdon another snooker player with 6 ranking titles, Usmann Afzaal the County Cricket 'Player of the Year' and club's most prolific batsman scoring four centuries in as many games. Sally Kelly who rowed with her mother across the Atlantic and who is preparing to do it again as the captain of a bright pink boat for Rowgirls and Catlin McClathcey a World Championship bronze medallist in the 2005 400m freestyle event and her team finished in fourth at Athens in the freestyle relay.
The public could vote right up to the evening of the awards to add to the suspense of the outcome as no one knew until the votes were finally counted revealing Maria Costello as the overall winner with a majority of 35%. Steve Thompson MBE came second with 28% and they will both go through to the regional final in December.
"I couldn't believe it when they called my name out as the winner, my family who were sat with me jumped up as my name was read out. I thought the Saints player Steve Thompson would win especially with the huge club behind him so the thought of even more people voting for me made a it very special award. I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to vote, you made it happen, so thank you to you all - my family, friends and fans!" said a smiling Costello.
Maria is now looking forward to the forthcoming BBC East Midlands Sports Awards which will be held at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on the 5th December. Her Bering Honda CBR600RR race bike will also be attending and will be on display at the entrance to the hall.
13 October 2005
MARIA COSTELLO IS NOMINATED FOR REGIONAL AWARD
Northamptonshire's very own motorcycle racer, history maker and Guinness World record holder, Maria Costello, has been nominated for the Northamptonshire Sports Personality of the Year.
N-Sport are looking for the public to choose their Sports Personality of the Year and are running a public vote on their website www.northamptonshiresport.org which will run right up to the event evening which will be held on Wednesday the 19th October at the Northampton Saints Rugby Club.
Maria will be up against some tough competition and therefore needs your vote! So lets get behind our lass and make her year even more memorable - she deserves it!
"I knew nothing of this competition until I received a letter through the post, I was really surprised to see that I'd been nominated, it's really exciting especially as it goes to the public vote on the website" added a smiling Costello.
So please make your support of Maria Costello heard and vote at www.northamptonshiresport.org
The winner of the vote will be forwarded onto the nominations for the East Midlands BBC Regional Sports Awards in November.
01 October 2005
WINNERS AT THE CYCLE SHOW
Four sports stars fresh from personal triumphs will be among the names present at Cycle 2005 - the UK's premier cycle show - where they will take part in events and be available on exhibitor's stands.
Olympic 4x100m gold medalist Darren Campbell, Kona Global Series 24-Hour Mountain Bike winner Jenn O'Connor, Double World Junior Trials Champion Ben Slinger and Maria Costello - the first woman to achieve a podium finish in the history of the Isle of Man TT or Manx GP road races will be appearing at the show from October 14-16 at London's ExCeL.
Darren Campbell's relay gold in Athens was one of the highlights of the Olympics and another high-point for the Manchester athlete, who has represented GB around the world in Olympics, World and European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games - winning six gold, two silver and four bronze medals. Darren will take part in the celebrity Duathlon Challenge on Friday, October 14.
Jenn O'Connor won the second event in the Kona Global Series - an off-road endurance event for mountain bikers at Snow Mountain Ranch, Denver, USA, on Sunday, September 11, completing 18 laps of the 11-mile circuit non-stop over 24 hours. Jenn rides a Specialized bike and will be on their exhibitor stand as well as taking part in the Celebrity Duathlon Challenge.
Ben Slinger is the rising star of the UCI World Trials scene. The 17-year-old Team Onza rider went to the World Championships in Livigno, Italy, with high hopes and they were justified. He won the Junior (under 19) categories for both 20" and 26" bike sizes on Sunday - only the second rider to achieve the double in either Junior or Elite events. Ben will take part in the Team Onza Trial at the show and will be on the Onza stand.
Maria Costello has achieved one of her principle aims in finishing third in the Ultra Lightweight category of the Manx Grand Prix on Sunday, September 4 on the Isle of Man - becoming the first woman in the history of the event to stand on the podium - a fantastic achievement. Maria cycles many miles each week as part of her training. Maria is another Specialized rider who will also take part in the Celebrity Duathlon Challenge as well as appearing on the Specialized stand.
Cycle 2005 takes place from October 14-16 at London's ExCeL and tickets cost £12 on the day.
Save £2 by booking tickets for the Cycle Show on 0870 126 1786 or through www.cycleshow.co.uk. Kids get into the show for a quid.
At the show you will find a whole host of interactive features including the cycling cinema, the outdoor circuit cup race, free bike parking and the international trials competition.
And you'll be able to try out some of the latest commuter and hybrid cycles on the London city test track, see all the latest trends in the fashion dance show and catch a glimpse of some of the most advanced accessories and gadgets for 2006.
You could also get involved yourself by entering the TRI UK duathlon competition, a bike-run-bike race and an exclusive event to the Cycle Show. October 13 is the first day of the show for trade and the next three days are open to the public for a great family day out and the chance to see all the exciting developments in the world of cycling.
Find out more or pre-register at www.cycleshow.co.uk or call 0870 126 1786. Cycle 2005 is a total cycling experience not to be missed.
16 August 2005
MARIA COSTELLO BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN SOLO RACER TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM IN THE HISTORY OF THE TT AND MANX GP
Maria Costello has made the history books once again at the Isle of Man as she took third place in the Ultra Lightweight category of the 2005 Manx GP. On board an RLR Motorsports Honda RVF400, provided by Tim Bradley, Maria became the first ever woman to take a podium finish in either a TT or Manx GP. Costello, who already holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman ever around the TT circuit, proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with around the infamous course.
Lying in fifth position after lap one Costello dug deep and after a slick pit stop at the halfway point was up to third place. Costello enjoyed the on the road battle with Alan Oversby during the race but as the race came to a close, the leader crashed out leaving Costello only 12 seconds behind Oversby who was now lying in second place. Maria Costello crossed the line in third place and took the first ever podium finish for a woman solo racer at the Manx Grand Prix.
"It's superb. I don't think it has really sunk in yet," explained Costello, "My feet came off the pegs during lap one which is probably where I lost time, it hadn't happened in practice but the bike was gorgeous to ride it never put a foot wrong" added Maria. "Coming up the return road I was thinking, please usher me into the winner's paddock even though I was fairly sure I had got third. It was a cracking race, I learned a lot from it and most importantly I enjoyed it. I've made history today and I'm delighted. It's been another successful time at the Manx GP and there's plenty of celebrating to do now."
Costello also took part in the delayed Junior Manx GP on Thursday riding her Bering Honda CBR600RR. Following a last minute change to her suspension before the race Costello found herself wrestling the bike around the demanding course. "It was a physically race because the bike wasn't handling but I continued and got a finish and a silver replica "said Costello. Her final position was 16th out of a total 77 finishers.
"I'd really like to thank everyone who has helped me make another fantastic achievement here on the island. In particular, Tim Bradley for the loan of the RLR Motorsports Honda RVF, Ricky Leady who prepared both the 400 and the 600, WP Suspension, Tracy and Mick my No.1 fans, Andy and Tom for being awesome mechanics, my coach David Sutton and Buchanan BMW for the loan of the 1 Series."
Now the question on everyone's lips is will Maria Costello be taking part in the Manx GP or the TT in 2006? Her answer - "Watch this space..."
For more information please contact Suzi Mewes, PR Manager for Maria Costello, on suzi@mewes.fsnet.co.uk or 07764476869.
16 August 2005
MARIA COSTELLO SETS HER SIGHTS ON NEW RECORD AT MANX GP
Fastest woman racer in the UK aims to be the first female to win an Isle of Man solo race
Maria Costello is looking to set a new record when she races at the Manx GP in the Isle of Man later this month. Not content with holding the Guinness World Record as the fastest lady to lap the infamous Isle of Man course Costello is aiming to become the first female to win an Isle of Man solo race.
Costello will be competing in two categories at this year's Manx GP. The first will be the Junior Race where she will compete on her Bering Honda CBR600RR prepared by Ricky from RLR Motorsports. She will also take part in the Ultra Lightweight race onboard the RLR Motorsports RVF400. Costello has already had some experience with the RVF when she claimed 7th place in her debut at the North West 200 in May this year.
"This is my big event of this season and I'm more prepared than ever before, both physically, mentally and machine wise too. My goal is to become the first female to win a solo race at the Isle of Man and I'll also be aiming to break my own Guinness World Record and go even faster round the island," said Maria. "Ricky has done a fantastic job preparing the bikes and I am confident that if it all goes well I can be on the top step of the podium this year."
Costello is no stranger to the Manx GP having first competed in the event back in 1996 when she finished 10th in the Manx Senior Newcomers Race. In 2002 Maria officially took the record of the fastest woman at the Manx GP recording a fastest lap of 110.25mph. Next time round, in 2003, Maria beat her existing lap record and clocked up 113.52mph and Costello headed up the top ten last year, finishing the senior event in 8th place out of a field of 80 competitors.
Costello heads out to the Isle of Man for practice, which runs from Saturday 20th August until her, first race in the Junior Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday 31st August on her Bering Honda CBR600RR. Costello then finishes off race week with the Ultra Lightweight class on Friday 2nd September. Practice and race reports following Maria Costello's progress will be available by clicking on RACE DIARY
For more information please contact Suzi Mewes, PR Manager for Maria Costello, on suzi@mewes.fsnet.co.uk or 07764476869.
VIEW PREVIOUS DIARY ENTRIES HERE:
MARIA'S NEWS ARCHIVE