Yes, in a display of overcoming and determination, the epic pilot Steve Mercer He has announced his ambitious plans to get on a motorcycle again. A dream that has kept alive despite the sequels of a serious accident in the TT of the Island of Man (IOMTT) in 2018.
That fateful May 30, while returning to the boxes after the suspension of a training session for red flag, Mercer He suffered a collision with a car in the circuit.
The impact left severe injuries, including multiple fractures in the column, a pelvic fracture, perforated lung and an open fracture in the right femur (which shortened his leg in 10 centimeters). In addition, he was in a week and woke up paralyzed from the neck down due to a hematoma in the brain trunk.
This is Steve Mercer’s strength
Despite the devastating initial diagnosis, Mercer It has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. After years of therapy and rehabilitation, it has recovered many functions, although it continues to depend on a wheelchair due to the lesion in its spine. However, that has not stopped his desire to pilot again.
Recently, Mercer acquired one Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade Sp With the aim of participating in the open days of Brands Hatch, its local circuit. But beyond fulfilling a personal desire, his return aims to inspire other people in similar recovery processes. That is, serve as an example.
Our protagonist recently declared “I know it will be a challenge, I have no doubt. During these last seven years, I have always dreamed of getting on a motorcycle again. It is something that has kept me motivated and that I really need to do for myself”
For Steveone of the greatest examples he has inspired is that of the deceased Claire Lomaswho, after being paralyzed from the chest down in 2007, managed to read a motorcycle again and complete a return in the North West 200 circuit in 2023, raising funds for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
“I talked to her several times on social networks and thought, if she could do it, I can alsoHe explained Mercer. “I’ve been riding bikes from six or seven years, so there had to be a way to do it again. I believe in it and that’s why I have decided to try”He concluded.
Since his right leg has been left without functionality, and his femur remains 3 cm shorter than the left, Mercer You are still working on the necessary modifications to be able to pilot safely. Among them, the installation of an electronic gear change system in the handlebars is considering, which allows it to handle the transmission without using the right foot.
Although he valued other motorcycle options with a more upright driving position, he finally opted for the legendary Slingdue to its close relationship with the factory. In fact, the same firm with which he competed in the World Cup with John McGuinness and CONOR CUMMINS In 2016. In addition, after his accident, the company supported his wife Caroline Finishing a significant part of its liverpool accommodation during its hospitalization.
“Honda has always been my favorite brand”, He explained Mercer. “They hired me twice: one in 2016, when I competed with them, and another, unfortunately, when everything went wrong. But even in the most difficult moments, they demonstrated their support, and that is something that I will never forget”
“When I was in the hospital, many doctors and nurses told me that I would never ride a motorcycle again. I don’t know if they did to motivate me or because they really believed it, but I decided to take it as a challenge. Besides, I thought. I will show you that they are wrong. And here I am, ready to make it come true, ”he concluded Mercer.
Without a doubt, an epic story, that of this gentleman.
