Maria Costello picks up MBE

Added on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Maria Costello, who held the world record for being the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT circuit, has received an MBE for services for motorcycling.

And the Northamptonshire biker was forced to make it to Buckingham Palace yesterday by her preferred mode of transport although not through choice, calling on the help of a motorcycle taxi after getting stuck in traffic.

There was no time to change into leathers, with the 32-year-old fully dressed up for her date with royalty, although she did reveal that she had changed from heals into flats for the dash across London.

“We got stuck in traffic so my friend who works for Virgin taxi bikes took me,” she revealed. “You wear an apron so my modesty was preserved. I did change my heels into flats though.”

“I wanted to come by motorbike but not like that,” she joked.

As she received the award, she revealed: “The Prince said “Did you come by motorbike?” and I said “Yes I did”.

Before receiving the honour, Costello revealed that she considered the award to be fitting recognition of the sport and female motorcyclists.

“I am so humbled by this honour,” she stated. “It’s amazing to receive it for services to motorcycling.

“Motorbikes have been my life and I feel like this award gives something back not only to me but to all those involved in motorcycling. Its great recognition for the sport too, I hope we see more females on motorbikes and in racing.

“I can’t thank all those who have helped and supported me enough. My family are so proud and even my Mum, who wasn’t so keen on me starting racing is fully behind me for this years Manx Grand Prix.”

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