As if recent Scottish sporting success at the Rio Olympics wasn’t enough, it appears the country has yet another champion to celebrate: John McPhee.
The motorcycle racer from Oban won yesterday’s Czech Grand Prix at Brno, making him the first Scot to triumph at this level since 1962.
The last Scots motorcyclist to win a Grand Prix race was Bob McIntyre in Belgium – motorcycle aficionados will also know that the Glaswegian rider was also the first to break the 100mph lap record.
Mr McPhee, who rides in the Moto3 class – equivalent to the old 125cc class – is to be warmly congratulated on his achievement. Especially since it suggests a widening of Scotland’s success on wheels. The country already punches above its weight when it comes to four wheels, of course; the names Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard are etched in Formula One history.
Jimmy and Colin McRae, meanwhile, reached the very pinnacle of the rally driving world, which made the latter’s death in 2007 all the more poignant.
Pedal power has also been particularly successful for Scots, particularly over the last 15 years thanks to the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, new Olympic champion Calum Skinner and three-times gold medallist at the Paralympics, Aileen McGlynn.
Wheels, then, have been successful for Scotland - except when it came to motorcycles. It’s not the most high-profile sport here, but Moto does have a passionate following. It’s perhaps no wonder when you see the prowess of the riders competing at events around the world.
Mr McPhee’s success is hard won and deserves at least the same level of attention as our Olympic champions will doubtless receive. Perhaps his win will lead to an upsurge in mainstream interest in this fast and furious sport. Regardless, we certainly hope it will inspire more success on the track for all Scottish riders.
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