Sheene diagnosed with cancer

Two-time world motorcycle racing champion Barry Sheene is receiving treatment for throat and stomach cancer.

The 51-year-old, who now lives in Australia, was diagnosed on July 22, just eight days after competing in a legends race during the British Grand Prix at Donington Park.

Sheene visited a doctor after complaining of a sore throat and trouble with swallowing but bullishly claimed he was ready for the fight for his health.

He said: “This is a total pain in the arse but I’m going to fight it.”

David Miller, a friend of the Sheene family, tonight told PA Sport that Sheene was currently feeling unwell and had requested no contact from the media whatsoever.

However, Miller insisted that Sheene was feeling upbeat about his chances.

Sheene, who has divided his time in recent years between his business interests and race commentating, lives on Australia’s Gold Coast with his wife Stephanie and two children.

Sheene was at the height of his fame in the 1970s when his battles with American rival Kenny Roberts and a playboy lifestyle kept the British racer on the back pages of the tabloid newspapers.

But his career was cut short by racing injuries and he made his home in Australia to ease the pain caused by arthritis brought about by broken bones suffered in crashes.