'I'm a double world champ but can't quit my job'

Harrison Payne, a world sidecar racing champion, has secured his second gold medal but is reluctant to leave his day job as a mechanic. Payne, from Wivenhoe in Essex, and his French passenger Kevin Rousseau, 33, won the FIM Sidecar World Championship for the second time. Payne explained that there is no financial reward in winning sidecar racing, making it an unfeasible career option.

He expressed gratitude for the support from Colchester businesses, including land promoters Scott Properties and car restorers Colne Classics, that helped him take time off to compete. Payne had been fascinated by sidecar racing since he was a child, watching the races with his father. He described sidecar racing as a niche sport with high speeds and a thrilling experience.

Payne and Rousseau won the title by 40 points over the second-placed brothers Sam and Thomas Christie. The duo attributed their success to a combination of hard work and support from their backers.