Back in the 1980s, Port Erin was home to World Champion F1 driver, Nigel Mansell. We remember him fondly as a Special Constable — a sort of sheriff’s deputy — and would laugh at the irony when he used the portable speed radar gizmo to pull over speeding drivers and book them. Well, he’s still going strong, he is scheduled to do the 24 hour Le Mans race this year and now — cycling.
“Former Formula 1 world champion and Indy Car championship-winner Nigel Mansell has confirmed his intention to ride this year’s London-Paris.
Mansell will ride with Team UK Youth to help raise money for Britain’s young people. The motor racing legend will be joined on the roads to Paris by his sons Leo and Greg, with whom Mansell is contesting the Le Mans Series this year.
“It’s our centenary this year so we wanted to do something challenging and inspiring and that’s where cycling came in,” said Mansell about the charity of which he is the president. “In July, we’re cycling 1200 miles across Britain and the L2P is the ideal preparation for our team. I’ve heard about The L2P’s legendary atmosphere and we thought we’d get some real inspiration from some of the great cyclists taking part. I’m really looking forward to getting on The L2P starting grid and I know that arriving in Paris with the peloton will be an amazing experience.”
See this week’s Cycling Weekly for a ride feature with Nigel Mansell.”
