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Winter is the perfect time to reflect on great destinies. Today we are interested in one of the most endearing, fast and charismatic drivers of the last 20 years. I name: the fastest Kiwi in the world, who was faster than cancer, Bruce Anstey.

Anstey's story is the story of a guy who has already exhausted his life capital. After making his road racing debut in New Zealand in the early 1990s, Bruce has only one dream in mind. The Tourist Trophy.

He draws his inspiration from the mythical return of Mike “The Bike” Hailwood at the 1978 TT. Passionate, you can't make it up. While he was climbing the ladder nationally, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1995. His lifestyle changed, punctuated by care and medicationThis ordeal gives him astonishing, limitless mental strength.

 

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Bruce Anstey in 2015, on Bray Hill.

 

In 1996, just one year later, he landed on the island for the first time. Mastering the Snaefell Mountain Course on its first appearance is almost impossible. So, he learns. Year after year. He really explodes from 2002, the date of his first victory in the "lightweight" category, or 250cc. It is from this date that "Bruce Almighty" appears at the start of each prestigious road race. He skims Tourist Trophy, North West 200 as well as the Ulster Grand Prix, the three biggest events of its kind.

In 2014, he set a new record (17'06''682 at an average speed of 213 km/h). A real feat, achieved in total calm. After several victories in Superstock as well as in Supersport, he won the Superbike race (second most prestigious behind the Senior TT) in 2015, an achievement he repeated in 2017.

For 2016, he announced that he will be racing on the famous Honda RC213V-S. A MotoGP approved, no more, no less. Bruce Anstey is all that. He is someone who does not speak to the media often, if ever. He is a Man who has been through, and is going through, stormy times. Who breaks free at 323 km/h, bottom of 6, at the end of Sulby Straight. A rider of extreme regularity, reserved but so great once the leather falls. These are the colours of Team Padgett's Valvoline, which contrast with his black helmet.

 

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At the start of the 2016 Senior TT, facing his destiny.

 

On the island as at home, but kiwi above all. Moreover, since 2015, he has been a member of the prestigious New Zealand Order of Merit. Cancer is never far away, and resurfaces in 2018. Once again, Anstey emerged victorious.

For his big comeback in 2019, he was already the fastest in testing, at 50 years old. This man is definitely not made of the same stuff as us. For all that – the fifteen victories in the Tourist Trophy being almost secondary – Bruce Anstey is a driver apart. Certainly one of the nicest, undoubtedly one of the most talented. Certainly one of the most heroic.

Did you know about Bruce Anstey’s career? Tell me in the comments!

 

Anstey on this magnificent CBR Padgett's.