Sylvain Guintoli will soon don his racing leathers once again, but for a very different race in 2026.
The former MotoGP rider and World Superbike champion will participate in the London Marathon - running in his motorcycle leathers! - in memory of his son Luca.
Accompanying him on the 42.195 kilometers course next April will be two of his daughters, Alicia and Layla, who are committed with him to raising funds for associations that care for children with cancer: PASIC and Young Lives vs. Cancer.
"When Luca was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed for us," Guintoli told Crash.net, "There are some incredible charities supporting children with cancer and their families, and PASIC were there for us from the start. They're still helping us now. You don't really see the scale of what these charities do until you need them. Their support has been huge."
Guintoli, who raced in the EWC Endurance World Championship this year in addition to his role as MotoGP commentator for TNT Sports, explained that it was his daughters who first signed up for the marathon.
"Originally there were only two places, and Alicia, who is 20, and Layla, who turns 18 just before the marathon, immediatelyt wanted to run it for Luca. They wanted to raise money for PASIC and Young Lives vs. Cancer, who have been brilliant. Then PASIC came back and said, 'We've got another place if you want it.' I've never run a marathon - I normally cycle more for training - but it's a fantastic cause, so I jumped at the chance."
Guintoli admits that tackling such a long distance race intimidates him a bit. "You hear people talk about running a marathon, but when you actually look at what it means - it's a bloody long way! - he said, smiling - It's great to take on this challenge with my girls. It's a really positive thing for us as a family, and it helps some amazing charities. We're training together through the winter and building up to where we need to be by the end of April."
To donate to Sylvain Guintoli's fundraiser for the London Marathon CLICK HERE
Photo: courtesy Crash.net