Startline Ep 30 - Returning champions and rising stars: Reeves & Farnier, Ellis & Clément, David Datzer and the MGP newcomers weekend
Start Line with Beth Espey
Thursday, 26 February 2026 - 42 minutes
Today we explore the world of sidecar racing on the Isle of Man with two of the sport’s standout crews.
TT winner Tim Reeves is joined by his new passenger, Melanie Farnier.They open up about forming a fresh partnership, the trust it demands, and the relentless physical and mental pressures of competing at the highest level.
Alongside them, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clément share their own journey through one of road racing’s most demanding disciplines. From securing vital sponsorship and managing the brutal demands of the sport, to the tight-knit community that keeps competitors coming back year after year.
For anyone thinking about sidecar racing, Tim and Todd say Steve's Sidecar Place is a great place to start and you can find a link here.
Also In this episode we catch up with the fastest German ever around the Mountain Course, David Datzer, who returns to fitness for 2026 after injury forced him out last season. He tells us what his dream is and how it will be marked with a new tattoo when it happens.
You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.
Finally we meet some of the newcomers taking on the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, fresh from their very first Newcomers’ Weekend here on the Island.
The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.
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And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im
