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With two free weekends between the Czech Republic Grand Prix and the next round at Misano, there has been plenty of time to reflect on a breakthrough moment for British motorcycling.

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Cal Crutchlow's first podium in MotoGP was a first for our country since Jeremy McWilliams back in 2000 – and it feels good to know that's the last time I will have to reference that stat!

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Many outsiders will think that it's about time we had some success in this sport, which has a huge and loyal fanbase in this country and has produced its fair share of top-class riders over the years – even though we have been waiting for a premier-class Grand Prix victoryÌý last celebrated at Anderstorp, Sweden, in 1981.

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The main reason for this lies within the culture of motorcycle racing on a national level, which over the past two decades has revolved around production racing, i.e racingÌýbikes you can essentially buy in your local dealership.

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A thriving British Superbike Championship has developed riders ideally suited for its World equivalent and our success there – particularly that of Carl Fogarty in the 1990s – created the momentum that allowed other young British talents to thrive in that particular series, most notably Neil Hodgson and James Toseland.

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