| Conquest International Race Ahead |
| Thursday, 24 September 2009 08:21 | ||
|
In what was something of a coup, Conquest International, the makers of the World's first high performance motorcycle that can be ridden from a wheelchair, was invited to provide an 'event vehicle' for this year's prestigious Great North Run and Tyne Tunnel 2K wheelchair races. The Conquest 1200, which is powered by a 109bhp, twin-cylinder 1170cc BMW engine and has been specifically designed for people with disabilities from the waist down, took pride of place at both World renowned races and led from the front in its role as a camera vehicle. Fan of the Conquest 1200 and organiser of the invitation-only Tyne Tunnel 2K - a shoulder-burning event that sees an elite group of the World's best wheelchair athletes reach speeds of up to 50mph as they race through the narrow and undulating Tyne Tunnel - David Burdus, said: "I broke my back in a motorcycle accident 27 years ago and someone recently told me about the Conquest International trikes. At first I was sceptical, but then I looked on their website and was immediately converted. I knew straight away I had to ride one!" David visited Conquest International's HQ in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last year and was smitten. He's been in regular contact ever since and it's this relationship that has helped sow the seeds of a mutually beneficial commercial alliance, as David explains: "I've been organising the Tyne Tunnel 2K for eight years now and it seemed appropriate that we use the Conquest 1200 as an event vehicle. On one hand it's good because it's aimed solely at wheelchair users, but it's also a very manoeuvrable and flexible mode of transport, which makes it ideal to use as an event vehicle." "Our partnership also saw us link up with the organisers of the Great North Run, which is another very prestigious event on the International Athletic Calendar," continued David. "We had the Mayor of Newcastle sat in the Conquest - which was branded up with the race's 'Take to the Streets' logos - on the start line, and the trike certainly generated a lot of interest as it completed the half-marathon course while weaving in and out of the competitors, proving its worth as a camera vehicle." The two globally acclaimed races provided an excellent platform for Martin Conquest to demonstrate its latest model's credentials in front of an enthusiastic audience. Graeme McFarlane, Martin Conquest's Manager Director stated. "We are proud to support both the Tyne Tunnel 2K and the Great North Run," "Both are established events with a great tradition and atmosphere, and to be part of that is a privilege." "Watching the wheelchair athletes compete was a reminder of just how strong and committed these men and women need to be," continued Graeme, before adding: "As inspiring as it was, though, I know I'd much rather be on the Conquest 1200 than attempting to race against these athletes in the tunnel!"
Back |
