LIFE BEGINS AT 40

Well, that's what Messrs Checa, Biaggi and Haga must be hoping. Because each one of them is there or thereabouts and while ageing Superbikes can be given performance enhancing aids, ageing riders can't - well not ones we can talk about!

Each one has broken a few records in their glorious history and on Sunday, in an Italian seaside town, they collectively created what must surely be another one - a podium totalling 135 years!

Now, dear reader, you can take a view on this. You can celebrate the occasion as a vindication that there really is plenty of life in old dogs; you might, slightly cynically, argue that they were on the best bikes; or you might, with some justification, suggest that the younger guys just aren't up to it.

All have an element of truth. But the harsh fact is that to have riders who are past their best - and they are - dominating a World Championship is seriously bad news. They may be good riders, maybe even the best in their category, but what 18 year-old is going to be fired up by someone old enough to be his father battling it out with others old enough for a mid-life crisis.

World Superbikes has got to be a series for people going somewhere not people heading for the retirement home - or a job as a media pundit!

So it was great to see teenager Sam Lowes and (slightly older!) Tom Sykes topping the practice timetables. The former eventually finished third in Supersports and Sykes was in podium contention in both Superbike legs.

WSB is not the only sufferer. Shakey Byrne would bridle at being called geriatric - mature sounds better, fine wine and all that - but who would back against him winning on his comeback to British Superbikes.

Only in MotoGP do younger riders dominate. But ageism is creeping in here too. Rossi, the hottest ticket ever to hit racing, is now in his thirties and quite a few others are knocking on. The lack of investment in younger riders, outside Italy and Spain, is a major drawback but there is something equally important.

The dual, and dead, hands of conformity and conservatism are creeping in. The new hottest ticket, Marco Simoncelli - he of the long hair - has been having his wrists slapped for being a tad aggressive in the overtaking department. PR advisers stop their riders saying things that might offend - or that might be vaguely interesting - except for Colin Edwards. And how close to 40 is he?

Let's have a bit more controversy, a bit more aggression. This is not exclusively the province of the young, but it is more likely. The future of the sport is in the hands of the young, the young fans who will relate to young heroes. Barry Sheene was a hero not just because he was an outstanding rider, he was a bit of a lad.

In a world full of ordinariness and dull people, let's make sure some of those cocky teenagers currently making a mark in the 125cc classes make it into the big league - we need them.

The world governing body of motor cycle sport is the Federation Internationale Motorcycliste, otherwise known as the FIM. Most people have no idea what it does even if they know it exists. At best it is seen as the international equivalent of England's ACU which says it all.

Now it seems this Swiss-based body is wakening up and is determined to improve it's profile. In Misano at the weekend a huge black truck with FIM logos dominated the paddock. In and out trotted a succession of black-suited men sporting gold FIM badges.

What were they doing?

ACU Events and TT boss Eddie Nelson didn't exactly distinguish himself this year. First there was an 'off-air' remark which called into question the qualities of marshals on the Mountain section. Not surprisingly this hardy bunch of volunteers were not best pleased and Eddie was forced into a grovelling public apology.

Then his decision to start the Supersport race in less than ideal conditions, resulting in one or two lucky escapes and a top riders rebellion, was a further fall from grace. At the time of writing there was still half the week to go with more rain forecast.

His job is one of the most difficult so we shouldn't be too hard on him. But there was once punishment regime in California which said: Three strikes and you're out! Two down, one to go.

While much of the racing world is struggling, the TT seems to be going from strength to strength. Attracting almost half a million quid in sponsorship, a week of remarkably good coverage on ITV 4 and a critically acclaimed film, Closer To The Edge, in 3D. Crowds were reckoned to be the best since the previous centenary three years ago.

It is undoubtedly extreme sport of spectacular nature. Bray Hill is a favourite spot to take newcomers which is where the new top honchos of Honda Europe appeared, in the front garden of a wonderful lady called Beryl to be precise.

The unsuspecting paid were cunningly placed as close to the edge of the road as allowed - within about ten feet of the racing line! - while more hardened Honda personnel waited for the reaction. John McGuiness howled past at about 170mph. Jaws dropped, a step was hastily taken back. "Unbeliebable, unbelievable," gasped the astounded pair. They were right!