Current Bike(s): Ducati 996 SPS, Ducati 1299s, Ducati Multistrada V4s
How old were you when you first rode a bike? I started riding motorcycles at the age of 8 years in France in my village of Fontenay le Vicomte.
Of the bikes you’ve ever owned which was your favourite if you had one? My favourite bike is my Ducati 996 SPS its just such visceral riding experience, on the track this bike is just awesome, it’s not the fastest, yet it’s so beautiful.
If you were given the opportunity to own any bike on the market which would it be? My dream bike would be Ducati 1299 Superleggera. I would ride it then look at it then ride it some more then wash it and look at it….
What is your favourite motorcycle gadget? I have 2 favourite gadgets, heated grips and my Cardo Packtalk to listen to music.
Where is your preferred place to ride in the UK? In the UK the best place I have ridden is Scotland, it’s beautiful and the roads are quiet.
And Abroad? The Dolomite in Italy and the mountain passes. The views are extraordinary, and the biking community is just great.
If you were offered the opportunity to go on an extended bike tour, who family members aside who would you choose as a riding companion? I think that Rossi, Chaz Davis & Burt Munro would make great riding companions, but in reality, I mostly ride with 2 good friends and we manage to get into some interesting adventures.
How would you describe to a non-rider the attraction of riding a bike as opposed to driving a car? Its very difficult as riding a motorcycle is a very emotional and visceral experience, for me it allows me to free my mind and focus on the road, bike and gives a feeling of freedom.
When do you intend to give up riding ? I will keep riding for as long as I am physically and mentally able.
Describe your scariest moment on your bike: Riding Philip Island circuit in Australia, I was on the straight doing about 160mph on an S1000rr and next to me was a Ducati trying to overtake on the straight. We were side by side for most of the straight but we then we approached turn 1 which is a fast righthander. As he slowed for the turn, I began thinking that I had beaten him, but he made the turn and I had to slam on the brakes and ended up on the large runoff area. I managed to stop just before the grass, this for me was a real heart in mouth moment.
Apart from that I dropped my bike outside the local café with all the people sitting and enjoying their Latte, but a kind bystander helped me lift my bike. Finally, on my 1st observed ride with EAMG, we had break, and my observer was talking about vanishing point on bends, I was so focused on the vanishing point that I missed the bend completely and headed straight for a bush on the other side of the road. Lucky, I managed to stop before the bush and had no oncoming traffic.
