MotoGP: James Toseland gets new bike for Christmas

Christmas came early for double World Superbike champion James Toseland today when personal sponsor Bennetts presented him with a £6,000 bike.

The surprise presentation was made to the 27-year-old on his visit to the Bennetts headquarters in Peterborough this morning (Thursday) by Bennetts Marketing Director Mark Fells.

James Toseland spent over an hour signing autographs for Bennetts staff after he was given a Pinarello Prince bike as a reward for his 2007 World Superbike success.

Toseland will use the bike to help with his strict winter training regime as he waits to return to action for the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP team on January 22, 2008 in Malaysia.

James Toseland told MCN: “I thought it was just a meet and greet for the company because they have sponsored me this year and will carry on with me next year with a badge on my leathers.

“I’ve done quite a few things with Bennetts and I thought I was just coming to meet all the staff and they surprised me with one of the most expensive pushbikes that you can buy.

“It’s a big Christmas present and a bit of a shock but great. They kept it as a complete surprise and to be given it as a thank you is really nice of them.

“You always try and give something back to sponsors because they financially sponsor you, which is what we need to go racing. To get a present to say thanks for all the things I have done is amazing.”

After his morning meeting and greeting Bennetts staff, James Toseland said: “I didn’t think the queue was ever going to go down and the support was great with people congratulating me and wishing me good luck for next year in MotoGP.”