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Start Line with Beth Espey
The Isle of Man Mountain Course is the most iconic and dangerous road racing circuit in the world - 37.73 miles of public roads, bends, bumps, and breathtaking bravery. For riders chasing a place on the start line, the price is total commitment. It demands physical strength, mental endurance, and a race bike tough enough to survive the punishment of the Mountain. Startline goes behind the visors with Radio TT and Manx Grand Prix presenter Beth Espey, as she uncovers what it really takes to earn a spot on the grid. Series 1 follows road racers fighting for a dream - to qualify for the Manx Grand Prix 2026, and take on the legendary Isle of Man course for the very first time.
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Episodes
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Startline Ep 6 - A dream without a plan is just a wish: George Anderson
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
In this episode of Startline, George Anderson takes us back to where it all began - watching the TT at the Crosby pub with his dad. Inspired by Adrian Archibald’s victory in that race, he recalls the moment that first lit his passion for racing. George reflects on how early memories can spark lifelong dreams on the road to the grid, as he aims for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026. You can find George on Facebook here and the George Anderson Racing page here. We also catch up again with Adrian O'Connor to find out how it went when he picked up the bike he's hoping to race at the Classic TT in 202...
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Startline Ep 5 - From the ring to the road: Adrian O’Connor’s fight for the Classic TT
Thursday, 30 October 2025
Joining us in this episode is Adrian O’Connor – a self-confessed rebel with a lifetime of stories. Turning 50 if he makes the grid for the Classic TT, Adrian’s journey has been anything but ordinary: from a promising boxer sidelined by injury to time spent in prison, where he decided life was too short not to chase his dream of racing. Now, with his Gracie Quinn Racing team named after his two young children, he’s determined to make it happen. You can follow Adrian on Facebook on his newly formed racing page here. If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startlin...
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Startine Ep 4 - NRW Racing and the road ahead: Nick Healy’s journey to the MGP
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
In this episode we’re joined by Nick Healy from Ireland - a racer who’s been on the grid since 2014. After the decline of road racing in the south, Nick and a few mates set up the NRW Race Team to keep the spirit alive. Now, with Nick's sights set on the Manx Grand Prix next year and one of his four kids already showing talent on two wheels, racing clearly runs in the family. You can follow Nick's own Facebook page here and his Instagram here. NRW Racing is also on Facebook and Instagram so give them a follow too. We also catch up again with Ashley Robson in this episode to find out how her...
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Startine Ep 3 -Throttle dreams and viral moments: Arran Hands on life, bikes & the road to MGP
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
In this episode of Startline, we’re in the fast lane with a rider who’s chasing dreams on two wheels and breaking the internet while he’s at it. With a massive social media following, Arran Hands is turning heads both on the road and online, and he's got one goal in his sights: the Manx Grand Prix 2026. You can find Arran's YouTube channel here and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and X. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im
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Startline Ep 2 - Fuelled by passion: Neil Rutledge's aim to race the Manx Grand Prix
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
In this episode we meet Neil Rutledge - a racer and a family man who's dreaming big. Here Neil opens up about life in the garage, balancing work, family, and the relentless pursuit of speed. It’s not just about bikes - it’s about belief, sacrifice, and chasing something bigger than yourself. You can follow Neil on Facebook here and Instagram here.
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Startline Ep 1 - Breaking barriers on the road to the MGP: Ashley Robson
Monday, 20 October 2025
She’s aiming for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026 - and she’s not slowing down. Beth Espey talks to road racer Ashley Robson about what it takes to make the Startline of the most challenging course on earth. You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im
