Tag Archives: Champion

Young Briton Wins Gold At European Paragliding Championships

Theo Warden Our paragliding clients will be pleased to hear about a young man’s success at the FAI European Paragliding Championships that took place in July in Montalegre, Portugal. His name is Theo Warden and he is only 19 years of age. Apparently, he is one of the youngest people to win a gold medal in the history of this competition.

Around 150 of the best paragliders from 28 European countries took part in the annual event so there was obviously an awful lot of competition. This is the 15th one of these championships that took place over a 10-day period. There were 8 tasks covering distances ranging from 53km to 93km.

It was a close run thing with Theo Warden accumulating 5,348 points. However, in second place was Torsten Siegal from Germany who finished on 5,346 points – only 2 points behind the winner. The third placed contestant was B         iagio Alberto Vitale from Italy who finished with 5,328 points – only 20 points behind Theo Warden.

Paragliding Apparently, Theo Warden only started paragliding at the age of 14 so he has done remarkably well to have reached the level that he has in the space of 5 years. In 2015, at the British Open in St Andre Les Alpes, France he was ranked 59th. In 2016, he was ranked in 25th place at the British Open in Mantelgas, Portugal. In 2017, he was ranked 15th at the British Open in the Malverns. In 2017, at the World Cup Superfinal in Colombia, he was ranked in 15th place.

It is also worth mentioning that, along with Lawrie Noctor, it was not too long ago that he broke the UK declared tandem paragliding record having flown a distance of 71km.

Well done to Theo Warden from all of us here at AIB Insurance and we wish him every success in future competitions.

Whether you are an experienced paraglider or are getting into the sport for the first time, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with a friendly, knowledgeable member of our staff about arranging suitable, competitive insurance to provide you with complete peace of mind.

BMW Owned By Racing Legend Sells For Almost £4 Million

John SurteesAt the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale that took place on the 13th July, a 1957 BMW 507 Roadster with hardtop was sold for a staggering £3,809.500 – just short of £4 million. So, how was such a classic sports car able to achieve such a price?

Well, a major factor was that it had been owned by the late John Surtees CBE who had the vehicle in his possession from new until he died on the 10th March 2017 at the age of 83. Many of you will be aware that John Surtees was renowned as being not only the winner of motorcycle world championships but also was a Formula One World Champion – a feat that only he has achieved.

Mr Surtees was the 500cc motorcycle world champion on four occasions – in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960. He later went on to become Formula One World ChampJohn Surteesion in 1964 with Ferrari.

The above classic car was one of only 252 built and was adapted to include Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels and also had some mechanical work carried out that increased its speed so that it was capable of getting to just over 140mph as Mr Surtees had felt it was not quick enough. It is left hand drive. It is a solver/blue colour and in immaculate condition.

Apparently, following Mr Surtees becoming motorcycle world champion for the first time in 1956 with MV Augusta, he was approached by Count Augusta who offered to buy him a gift and it is believed that the racing team contributed 50% towards the purchase of the above vehicle that originally cost £3,200. It has certainly proved to be a sound investment although perhaps Mr Surtees did not buy it for such a purpose as he no doubt enjoyed driving it.

Here at AIB Insurance, we have arranged classic car insurance on many vehicles. So, if you are looking to insure your vehicle why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and we will be pleased to provide a competitive quotation from our panel of specialist insurance companies.