'That felt incredible': Paralysed rider Claire Lomas completes lap of the NW200

After an on and off again build up the North West 200 road racing meeting went ahead as scheduled between May 11 – 13 and featured a very special guest making a lap of the nine-mile course.

Claire Lomas MBE has become a champion of spinal injury charities since she became paralysed from the chest down in May, 2007, in a horse-riding accident.

Amazingly Claire learnt to ride a motorcycle after her accident, obtaining her race licence and riding on several iconic UK tracks. She took to the NW200 course on her adapted Suzuki SV650 which she rode in between races, led by 2009 British Supersport champion, Steve Plater.

“It was without doubt the most daunting challenge I have taken on,” said Claire. “The first race was red flagged and the wait for my lap felt ages.” 

“Once I got out on the course it just felt incredible to have the opportunity to ride on the road despite being paralysed – plus I didn’t have to stick to speed limits! 

“The crowds were amazing too. I am grateful to the organisers of the NW200, Steve Plater for leading me around the course, my team and all who have supported.”

"Absolutely brilliant!"

Claire Lomas MBE was paralysed from the waist down following an horse riding accident in 2007.

At this year's North West 200, she completed a lap of the famous circuit 👏#BBCBikes pic.twitter.com/hJF1ZOe4Ih
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) May 16, 2023
 

Claire has raised close to one million pounds for charity and hopes to add to that by raising £10,000 for Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation with an online auction which includes many motorcycling lots such as Shoei helmets, a Peter Hickman portrait, and race leathers.

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Paralysed biker Claire Lomas readies for lap of North West 200 course for charity

First published 8 February 2023 by Dan Sutherland

Paralysed motorcyclist Claire Lomas MBE is preparing to take on a lap of the North West 200 course in May, riding the nine-mile Northern Ireland track between two of the races atop a Suzuki SV650.

Claire became paralysed from the chest down on May 6 2007 in a horse riding accident and only learned to ride a motorcycle after her injuries. Since then, she has gained her race licence, tackled a number of iconic tracks across the UK, and even completed the London Marathon in full leathers.

“I never rode motorbikes before my accident so it’s totally new to me and I’ve had to learn without use of two thirds of my body,” the intrepid rider told MCN. “I’ve watched the racing and it looks amazing – but I’ll be a lot slower than them!”

Claire has raised over £850,000 for charity, receiving an MBE for her services in 2017. This challenge is no different, with plans to run an online auction during the North West for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. Prizes donated so far include a foreign trackday, and a Shoei helmet.

“I think the biggest difference to the track will be the kerbs,” she continued. “On a track, all the distractions are taken away from you and its very different on a road going past trees and signs.

“I’m focussing on the North West, and I am very grateful of them giving me the opportunity.”

Claire’s lap will take place on Thursday May 11 between two of the races. She is also looking for more donations for the auction, which will be accessible via a link on claireschallenge.co.uk

“What Claire has achieved is remarkable and we will be delighted to welcome her to the North West 200 as she takes on a new challenge in her journey for a very worthwhile cause,” Mervyn Whyte of the NW200 said.

“Her determination and courage are an inspiration to everyone, and Claire will have the support of every North West 200 fan during her lap.”