Popular Sylvain Guintoli has revealed he’d have added the Isle of Man TT to his awesome back catalogue of race experiences had his wife not put the brakes on his hopes.
The French rider, a former World Superbike, MotoGP and BSB star, still competes in endurance racing but lists a parade lap on the island as one of his most memorable moments.
Sharing the circuit with Jonathan Rea, Tom Sykes, Chaz Davies and Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the TNT Sports MotoGP pundit. And he admits he’s never forgotten it.
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“There is temptation to do the TT,” he told motorcycle podcast Full Chat.
“Some years back, about 10 years ago, I did a parade lap and it was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. It was on closed roads and I remember it so vividly.
“I’d never been and I didn’t know the track at all. Milky was guiding the way on the road bike. He was warning us before slow corners, giving us the brake lights, flashing us just to make sure we’re not doing anything silly. But I didn’t know that Jonny Rea lived on the Isle of Man and knew Milky. Before starting he said to him: ‘As long as you see us in the mirrors, just give it some’.
“We were at the back hanging on for dear life. It was so dangerous to do that. Equally, when we got back it was the best adrenaline rush you’re going to get. It was so dangerous, it was so good. I remember at the time thinking ‘I think I could do it’ and I wanted to get stuck in. I remember watching hours and hours of on board (footage) and learning the track but then my wife stepped in and she was like: ‘Nah, that’s not happening mate, no chance.’”
The 2014 WorldSBK champion is a much-loved part of MotoGP coverage and gained more adoration for completing this year’s London Marathon in motorcycle leathers in memory of his son.
He took on the challenge alongside his two eldest daughters raising more than £140,000 for the PASIC cancer support charity. The East Midlands organisation supported Luca, who passed away at the age of six in June 2025, and his family throughout the tragedy.
“It’s one thing wanting to do it or being attracted to it, and I think loads of riders are like I was, but it’s another thing to actually go out there and do it properly,” he added during the episode where he discussed a host of topics, including why there is a lack of British riders in MotoGP.
“It’s a different sport and approach to risk. It’s what we do. We manage risk and try to get away with it. Road racing is a different equation. These guys are amazing, full respect to them obviously. I love going there and watching it.” Full Chat is powered by Bikesure, the UK’s largest motorcycle insurance broker
