Le Mans April 14th /15th / 16th

What do the following riders all have in common ? Phil READ (7 world titles and 52 GP wins), Charlie WILLIAMS (3 GP and 7 Isle of Mann TT wins), Eric SAUL (2 GP wins, 9 podiums  inWorld Championship). OK, they were all very good. . .but they will also all be on the starting grid for the ICGP race which opens the festivities at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race for motorcycles.

In total, 10 former GP riders will be in action, with other names including: Laurent GOMIS, John WEEDEN, and Jerry LANCASTER.

The field includes riders from: England, Germany, France, Belgium and Ireland.

ICGP is to classic racing what Moto GP is to modern racing. Established as the leading classic formula, ICGP brings together riders and 250cc and 350cc machines from the period 1970-84.

What other than a passion for their sport drives multiple world champion riders to pull on the leathers and ride on, to the obvious delight of racing fans.

The Gentleman Rider spirit is authentically preserved as all the riders race their original machines in an atmosphere which is warm yet still fiercely competitive. Together the riders bring back the memories of the golden period of 2 stroke competition.

The ICGP Series criss-crosses Europe throughout the season and is present at the most prestigious meetings including the British Superbike Championship at Donington Park and Silverstone, as well as the Bikers Classics at Spa-Francorchamps. Subsequent rounds will visit Germany, Spain and Italy.

We fully expect 2004 champions: Graham Read on 350cc, (yes he is the son of Phil – it runs in the family !) and Gilles Hampe, on 250cc, to give their all to retain their titles and provide some tight action on the tarmac.

Bringing a woman's touch to proceedings will be Sandrine Dufils, ICGP's only female competitor. Following an accident which ended her season prematurely last year she will be aiming to prove that women have their place on Europe's circuits in general and in ICGP in particular.

Next ICGP race is on the new Schleiz circuit in Germany during the weekend of May 28 and 29th.

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