This date fourteen years ago would have seen Darren Gough preparing to do battle against Australia in the Fourth Test of the 1997 Ashes series at Headingley. Today the England cricket legend demonstrated his continuing ability to switch from one physical challenge to another by passing his Advanced Motorcycle Test.

The Bennetts biker has teamed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for a series of further motorcycle training sessions since April, and today was put through his paces under examination conditions. The Skill for Life advanced riding programme offered by the IAM develops five phases of advanced riding; Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration, ultimately passing on the skills and knowledge to remain confident and in control on a motorcycle. 

These skills and knowledge are being put to the test as “Goughie” undertakes a series of Bennetts Biking Dream Challenges throughout the summer on a range of different bikes. He recently rode a lap of the famous Mountain Course at the Isle of Man TT under the tuition of ‘Milky’ Quayle, and on Tuesday he will ride to all five of this year’s Ashes Test cricket grounds which span the length of England in a single day. 

Gough spent over an hour near his home village in Buckinghamshire being assessed, and at the end of the session was presented with a certificate and a full membership of the IAM.

On passing his Advanced Motorcycle Test today, Gough commented, “I’ve wanted to improve my riding skills ever since I first tried biking and took my CBT in 2009.  It has been an enlightening experience to go through this process with the IAM – they have shown me how relatively easy it is to brush up and enhance not only the safety but also the enjoyment of biking. 

“Also, I know riders who can provide proof to Bennetts or other insurers that they have passed their IAM Advanced Rider Test, are potentially eligible for a discount, so that was another reason to do it!”

Geoff Pretty, Senior Observer at the Institute of Advanced Motorists said, “Goughie proved himself to be a very natural biker. He listened, practiced and quickly achieved advanced rider status. The skills he has developed will help him to complete his series of motorcycle challenges.”