The French invasion of the Isle of Man for the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races continues to grow with a further four competitors having successfully entered the races which take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 25th, 26th & 27th May 2018.

The latest four entries received brings the total number of French riders so far to seven – six of them making their debuts on the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course.

Five of the seven competitors are entered in the Sidecar races; Patrick Geffray has raced each year since making his debut in 2015, this year he has Sarah Stokoe as passenger on the 1070 MRE BMW outfit.

Claude Delannoy and Daniel Giroud on a 1000 Schmidt BMW are first-timers as are Gilles Berry and Maikel Vega along with Alexandre Benigno and Jean-Philippe Bouchard on similar machines.

Herve Laur with Marie-Laure Ferrieu as passenger will be racing a 1300 Vincent bringing some extra interest and sounds to the proceedings.

Timothie Monot will be riding a 350 Honda and a 750 Yamaha on his debut rides, whilst ex-world Championship Grand Prix racer  Bernard Fau will have a brace of Yamaha's in his stable, a 250 twin and a 750 four.


Bernard competed in the world championships (now MotoGP) between 1975 and 1983, with a best championship position of 11th in the 500cc (Premier) class in 1981 and second privateer rider.

His best race result was a fourth in the 1979 West German Grand Prix 500cc race.

The total number of entries accepted so far are 235, with the final date for receipt of entries rapidly approaching – 30th March 2018.


(Photo courtesy of Bernard Fau)