Superbike fans from across the world visit Britain’s best tracks to watch the likes of Valentino Rossi, Cal Crutchlow and Dani Pedrosa compete on top-class tracks including Silverstone, Donnington Park and Thruxton.
But the Isle of Wight is perhaps unrivalled as a destination to enjoy the sport, with its outstanding tracks, ample accommodation, beautiful scenery and warm hospitality. In this article, we will consider the ingredients that make the Island so attractive for Superbike aficionados.
The tracks
The Isle of Wight is home to some of the world’s greatest Superbike tracks, and that is perhaps best exemplified by the recently unveiled plans for next year’s Diamond Races. Taking place in the villages of Chale, Kingston, Shorwell and Brighstone, the 12.4-mile track will provide a captivating experience of competitors.
The event, scheduled for October 2021, will feature two practice days, to take place on a Wednesday and Thursday, with the time-trial feature races to be held on the Saturday. The picturesque route will also head past Blackgang Chine, offering a true taste of Island culture.
At https://www.bikesportnews.com/, organiser Paul Sandford is quoted as saying: “No stone is being left unturned in striving to deliver a spectacular event.” He added the potential for the event to become a regular one that would complement its tourism industry.
These latest plans form the latest chapter in the Isle’s love affair with Superbikes. Locals and tourists take in races annually in their tens of thousands, while keeping tabs on results internationally on social media and betting on the races on sites like https://www.stsbet.co.uk. There, users have the chance to place bets on the winners of the MotoGP World Championships, as well as Moto2 and Moto3.
The #IsleofWight is the home of a new #Superbike festival 🏍
The @diamondraces are planned for October 2021 and will see bikers roar around a 12-mile course in the south of the island. pic.twitter.com/mSNgR2EoSx
Article continues below this advertisement — BBC Radio Solent (@BBCRadioSolent) July 29, 2020
The accommodation
The Isle of Wight is home to a fantastic array of hotels and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury through to budget, enhancing its reputation as the perfect destination for a Superbike getaway.
For A-list luxury, look no further than Haven Hall, which combines country living with the friendliness and warmth of smaller accommodation. Facilities include a heated pool, while a private hut on Sandown beach is available for guests to use during their stay.
A cheaper but no less charming option is The Seaview Hotel, which offers beautiful views of the coastline and a diners’ menu that is the talk of the village. The Seaview is renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re here for the Superbikes or just a way to unwind for a few days.
The final spot on our list is Tom’s Eco Lodge at https://tapnellfarm.com, which offers an all-together more organic experience to guests. Accommodation options include a geodesic dome, safari tent and wooden cabin, making it the perfect destination for those eager to get back to nature.
Dinner at the Seaview Hotel on Isle of Wight in the U.K. It was a chilly but beautiful walk around the town. @seaviewhotelioc @VisitBritain pic.twitter.com/eW9SA7b2Ij
— Nancy Trejos (@nancytrejos) April 19, 2019
Recent estimates place tourist numbers at around 2.66m, and the announcement of next year’s Diamond Races should provide a further boost for locals in the hospitality industry, while also helping to cement the Island’s reputation as a premier destination for Superbikes.
With our fantastic array of hotels, beautiful scenery and warm welcome, the Isle of Wight can fairly lay claim to being one of the world’s premier sporting getaway destinations.
