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Meet the country singing, trailblazing motorbike racer
TL;DR
Alanna Maher, a 31-year-old country singer, is also a trailblazing motorbike racer. She balances her passion for music and racing, often transitioning between performing and competing.
Key points
- Alanna Maher is a country singer and motorbike racer.
- She is 31 years old and balances both careers.
- There are fewer women in motorbike racing.
- She enjoys both singing and racing equally.
- Her dual career challenges stereotypes.
Mentioned in this story
Alanna Maher
"No-one kind of expects me to ride motorbikes. There's less women in the sport, obviously, and there's a high contrast from singing to motorbike racing.
"I love both of them equally and I'm very fortunate I can do both. When I'm not racing, I'm singing."
Country music and motorcycle racing would usually be worlds apart, but not for Alanna Maher.
One week the 31-year-old could be standing on stage, the next she could be standing on the podium in her racing leathers.
For Maher, racing is in her family and the sport makes up some of her earliest memories.
She first came to the North West 200 aged nine in 2004 to support her uncle, Roger, who was racing at the event.
Maher was milling about the pits, where she said there is "no better place to be than amongst it all".
Her brother, Ryan, has also raced around the Triangle circuit and, this year, she is back in the paddock with BBC Sport NI's coverage of the famous road race.
"When my uncle was racing were all part of the crew and in the thick of it, they are some of my best memories of racing," she said.
"I've had many years watching the racing from from the side of the road like everyone else, but it's just not quite the same as being in the middle of it. So I'm really happy to be back."
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- North West 200 - all you need to know & BBC coverage
'I thought I was too late to the party'
While Maher always had an interest in racing, she only took to the track four years ago.
Her other passion is country music and that started at a much younger age - all thanks to a group of aunties.
"I always sang throughout school from primary school and I was at my auntie's birthday party, when they all pushed me to get up with the singer.
"It kind of stemmed from there. I just started gigging when I was 18 and when I came out of college I was I just kept on singing.
Q&A
Who is Alanna Maher and what are her main talents?
Alanna Maher is a 31-year-old country singer and motorbike racer, known for her unique combination of talents.
How does Alanna Maher balance her music career with motorcycle racing?
Alanna Maher manages to balance her music career and motorcycle racing by dedicating time to both passions, performing on stage and competing in races.
What challenges does Alanna Maher face as a woman in motorbike racing?
As a woman in motorbike racing, Alanna Maher faces challenges such as being in a male-dominated sport and overcoming stereotypes associated with her dual career.
What is the significance of Alanna Maher's achievements in both music and racing?
Alanna Maher's achievements in both music and racing highlight her versatility and serve as an inspiration for women in both fields.