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Toseland misses out on final title opportunity of the year

Author: Bennetts
Posted on: Monday, Dec 10 2007








Personal sponsor Bennetts – the UK’s number one for bike insurance* – had worked tirelessly to garner votes since the top-ten list of nominees was announced on the evening of Friday 30 November.

Messages of encouragement were placed on Bennetts own website (bennetts.co.uk ) and on motoryclenews.com to generate phone votes from motorcycle racing enthusiasts.



James’ appearance on the televised coverage drew attention to his multi-talents after riding on to the studio aboard the championship-winning HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR. His short interview with Adrian Childs was rounded off with his piano recital of a specially-written jazz piece accompanied by the BBC concert orchestra.



However, it was not quite enough for James to follow in the footsteps of legendary motorcycle racer John Surtees, who emerged victorious in the national popularity contest in 1959. The consolation for the 27-year-old was securing the regional version of the same award just one week ago at an event in Yorkshire.



“I’m obviously disappointed to not have won BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but I am hugely grateful to have even made the top ten shortlist. There were so many talented sports people in contention for this year’s final race so to even be considered among them is really flattering. I’d like to thank Bennetts for the support they have given me this season, particularly in the run-up to tonight’s ceremony.”



“This evening’s event was a further illustration of the fantastic job that James is doing in raising the profile of motorcycle racing,” says Bennetts Marketing Director Mark Fells. “He is an awe-inspiring motorcycle racer and a genuinely great guy, so it’s a shame that he wasn’t voted as this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year. We are extremely proud to support him in his career and look forward to watching him further establish himself as the new Barry Sheene.”


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