AN Islander whose fiancé died after a crash during a motorbike sprint two years ago is honouring his memory by competing in motocross and sand racing events.
Ashyanna Ball and Kieran Le Bail had been partners for more than seven years when Mr Le Bail (23) died in June 2023 hours after sustaining multiple injuries in a sprint on the Five Mile Road organised by the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club.
A club official said it had been inspiring to see Miss Ball throwing herself into motorsport as a way of continuing the legacy of her partner, including using his initials as her team name for events.
Under the “KLB Racing” banner, Miss Ball (25) wears race number 23 in acknowledgement of significant events in her life: she and Mr Le Bail (pictured above) began dating on 23 January 2016, and were engaged on the same date seven years later.
After taking part in her first sand races last year and showing her skills in events at Millbrook and St Ouen’s Bay, including winning a rider of the day award, Miss Ball has also raced in motocross and competed as a navigator in rallies alongside her friend Glenn Godfrey.
Michael Milner, speed secretary for the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club, said: “Ashy has been such an inspiration for not only her family, but for the motorsport community.
“From last summer until now there hasn’t been a weekend where she hasn’t been involved in motorsport – her dedication is second to none, whether she ‘s practising at Egypt, racing at Sorel Point or tinkering away in the garage on her countless bikes, not to mention still finding time to navigate in rallies.
“Everything she achieves and competes in now were once Kieran’s dreams and aspirations too. His legacy lives on in her, and she does a brilliant job at that.”
Miss Ball, who works as a residential childcare child officer, has also been supported at events by Mr Le Bail’s mother Anita.
Tribute has also been paid by Miss Ball’s younger sister Alexia, who said: “Ashyanna continues to push the limits on and off the track, racing with purpose and honouring Kieran’s memory through every challenge she faces.
“Her journey is not just about speed, it’s about love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit that keeps her moving forward.”
