Rizla Suzuki MotoGP is on its way to Jerez in Spain for the first European Grand Prix of the 2008 MotoGP World Championship, looking to put the tough opening round in Qatar firmly behind it.

Chris Vermeulen: “We need to get out there and start work straight away, after the disappointment of Qatar we are playing catch-up a bit! I enjoy the Jerez circuit and we made some important developments towards the end of the test there last month, so we need to continue from where we left off. Jerez with its huge crowd and amazing atmosphere feels like the real start of the season and I will certainly be going for it!”

 www.rizla-suzuki-motogp.co.uk

KTM’s Offroad Director Pit Beirer talks about the 2008 MX season

What are your expectations for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team in 2008?
It is our goal to bring the entire team through the season in good health and to see a couple of our guys on the podium every Sunday. Together with Stefan Everts we have prepared a three-year plan and now we go together into the second season. We want to present our fans with a strong KTM performance through good team spirit and targeted preparation.
 
Strong contenders for the MX2 title with both Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle?
I am certain that Tyla and Tommy have what is necessary to fight for the world championship title in MX2. Who ends up being the world champion at the end of the season is often a matter of luck. What we aspire to do is to be prepared in such a way so that our guys will be fighting it out for the title right up to the last GP.
 
What do you expect from Max Nagl this season?
For Max this season is definitely all about finally establishing himself among the world’s top riders. He is still very young for the MX1 class and we are giving him time to further develop. I am very sure that Max can muster his power and finish on the podium at any time and a place in the top eight in the world championship should be possible.
 
What are your general expectations for the five new KTM supported teams in the 2008 MX season?
Our aim is simply to have a broader based- and bigger overall presence in the sport. It’s our dream for the future to have our own factory riders come from our youth program. It’s a lot of fun to work with these young guys and through our cooperation with Stefan Everts and his father Harry we have the possibility to offer the best training program on offer in the entire world of Motocross.
 
A few words about the strategy of supporting these teams?
The strategy is clearly defined. The spearhead is made up of the factory team with its four factory riders. Then there are the five satellite teams that we have created in close cooperation with our subsidiary companies in the various countries. Included in this is a further structure where we are already trying to bind talented young guys to us in the European championships.
 
Is it about nurturing young talent? Increasing KTM presence in the paddock?
It is not so much about increasing KTM’s presence in the paddock; it’s much more about training young athletes and preparing them for the big leap into the factory team. In the meantime it’s become very expensive to get into the sport and there are not many who are able to afford to compete in the world championships. With our program we want to show that it’s possible to get to the top through good results and a start in the world championship is not just about having plenty of money.
 
I hear you worked closely with the KTM motor sports representatives in the individual countries to choose riders for the five supported teams. Is that correct and what qualities were you looking for in the riders?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our managing directors from our country subsidiaries. We would not be able to find these great talents without their help and their skill at having the right eye to pick them out. The qualities we look for are simple. We want guys who really have the passion for the sport, that have a big heart and the will to work towards the big target.
 
Looking at the very young riders – for example in the GP Juniors Team Champ (Jeremy van Horebeek and Joel Roelants): how were these guys selected and what makes them stand out as being ready to race at this level?
These two are a wonderful mix from our junior structures. Joel was discovered by Jacky Martens and he already took care of him for us in the European Championship. Jeremy was discovered by Kees van de Ven and he rode to podium places in his first year. It is only because of these structures that we have these young guys in our line of vision, otherwise maybe we would not have seen them until it was too late.
 
What would you expect from them in the first year?
If they could ride regularly in the top ten of the world, we would be very happy.
 
Some of the teams are new and it will be a chance for young riders to gain a footing in top class racing. But Jonathan Barragan will be riding in MX1 for Team Silver Action and so will Marcus Schiffer (Team Sarholz). So here we have two riders who can challenge the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rider Max Nagl. Will any of these three riders be title contenders in MX1?
I am really sure that Jonathan and Max will be regular guests on the world championship podium but it would be presumptuous to talk about the world championship title at this stage. I think we should use this year to perfectly position the team for the future and in 2009 a young rider from our own juniors program will then fight for the MX1 title!!

http://www.ktmpress.com/6607.0.html?nodeID=102793&cHash=b04c8b2a99

  MOTOCROSS: IZOIRD PLACES 7TH TWICE IN CINGOLI
The first half of the Italian motocross championship has been completed and the final phase began on March 16th in Cingoli (Macerata province) at the third-to-last round on the schedule. On Saturday, the qualifying sessions took place on the difficult and tricky track in Le Marche. An optimal Cedric Melotte (Aprilia Mxv 4.5) marked the fourth-best time of the Mx1 class. It was instead a tormented round for Fabien Izoird (Aprilia Mxv 4.5), who wasn't able to find the right balance for the track, where he had never before raced. The young Frenchman clocked in the 24th-best time overall.
The next morning's warm-up allowed Izoird to gain further confidence on the track to the point that he was able to finish 6th in Race 1. Yet in the second heat scrimmage, he clashed with an opponent and was forced back to 14th place. From there he mounted a comeback and finished in 7th place. In Race 2, he was able to climb back from 9th to 7th place, battling it out at long with the top riders.
The opening fraction saw Melotte start well as he settled into 8th place during the first lap. Cedric forced the pace and made his way into 6th place before being hindered by a slip in the ninth lap. The Belgian completed a few more turns before heading to the box early due an anterior vibration that was caused by the fall.

Melotte wasn't able to repeat his brilliant Race 1 start in the conclusive session. He instead found himself in 17th place after the first lap but nonetheless climbed back into 9th place. Then, being a bit fatigued, he slid during the last lap and fell back to 13th place.
It has been confirmed that the “Step 3” evolution of the official MXV 4.5s will be debuted on March 23-24th at Cardano al Campo (VA) before the World Motocross Championship begins on April 6th in Valkenswaard (Holland). The race in Cardano al Campo will take place the day after Easter, and perhaps the debut will reveal a few pleasant surprises...

Cingoli (MC) - 4th round of the Italian motocross championship
MX1 Class
Race 1: 1. Antonio Cairoli (Yamaha); 2. Alex Salvini (Suzuki) ; 3. Cristian Beggi (Honda); 7. Fabien Izoird (Aprilia MXV 4.5). Ritirato: Cedric Melotte (Aprilia MXV 4.5).
Race 2: 1. Alex Salvini (Suzuki) ; 2. Cristian Beggi (Honda); 3. Antonio Cairoli (Yamaha); 7. Fabien Izoird (Aprilia MXV 4.5); 13. Cedric Melotte (Aprilia MXV 4.5).

http://www.racingaprilia.com//cross_dettaglio.asp?id=1880

  6 days left for preregistration to the blast rally.
Preregistration ends in 6 days, your registration must be postmarked by March 25th to receive t-shirt, pin, koozie. After this date you can pay at the gate, but you will not receive t- shirt, etc.
 
 DON'T forget the free gumbo and music with the kickoff party Thursday April 17th, 2008 which is being hosted at Cajun Harley Davidson starting at 6:00pm.
 
 Ways to win money-  There will be 50/50 charity drawing on Thursday,Friday and Saturday nights.
 If you are staying at the hotels listed on the website, get a ticket at the desk and bring it to the registration table at the rally site. There will be one $50.00 cash drawing from each hotel. Also there will be bike games Saturday afternoon with a $ 50.00 cash prize-one winner per game.
 
Raffle benefitting the charity for Autism will be Saturday night. Prizes are $1,000.00-1st, $250.00 for 2nd and $100.00 for 3rd.
You will get a free poker hand with your registration. The cash prize for the free best poker hands are  $100.00-1st, $75.00-2nd and $25.00-3rd
You may buy additional poker hands for $ 5.00 a hand, this is a donation for charity. Prizes are $500.00-1st, $250.00-2nd, $100.00-3rd. If you buy additional hand you will get two poker run sheets.
Make a purchase at  the poker run stops and ask for a ticket for a chance to win 200.00 cash Saturday night.
For more info www.blastrally.com

 SUCCESSFUL BIRMINGHAM TEST FOR TEAM M4 EMGO SUZUKI - News release
Team M4 EMGO Suzuki concluded two productive days of testing at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, AL on Tuesday in preparation of the second round of the 2008 AMA roadracing championships.

Looking to build upon their extremely successful season opener at Daytona International Speedway where the team kicked off their '08 campaign earlier this month with a podium and three top fives, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki spent their time on the undulating BMP circuit testing Pirelli tires as well as suspension settings and various other components for their Suzuki GSX-R racebikes.

Team Crew Chief Keith Perry said, "We had a very productive test at Barber, especially on the second day. We tried a lot of tires for Pirelli and were encouraged with what they had for us to run through. It was good for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki to get some more track time, and it was also a chance to try some settings they might normally not have time to try during a race weekend because of the time element. We're pleased at how the test went."

Coming of his sensational debut with the team, all eyes are on Blake Young, who took a close second in the Superstock race at Daytona and backed that up with a fifth in Supersport and ninth in Superbike.

Perry remarked, "Blake surprised us a little bit, maybe, with how well he did at Daytona. With young riders, it's wise not to put the expectations too high too soon, but Blake has already shown us he's a racer with a lot of personal drive and determination to go along with the talent. He was up to speed at the test and he's not satisfied with just doing well or finishing where he was last year. He has a good mindset for a racer and he wants more."

Colombian Martin Cardenas also had a fine Daytona, claiming fourth in the prestigious Daytona 200 in Formula Xtreme and taking sixth in the Supersport race, finishing just fractions of a second behind teammate Young.

"Martin got in a lot of laps at the test and ran through everything we had for him and gave us his feedback," Perry commented. "He's in a little bit different place than our other two riders since he has more experience. Raceday is where he really puts it together and kicks it into another gear. I think his record with us shows that. He's the kind of rider that learns from testing and then puts it to good use in the races."

Cory West had a more difficult go in Daytona, crashing out of the top ten early in the Supersport final, but charging up from 40th to 19th by the conclusion of the race. He's hoping to join his teammates up front when the series picks up again in Alabama.

Perry said, "Cory rode his Supersport bike both days and he and his crew have a good direction. He's working well with his mechanics and putting in the hard effort that will pay off in the future."

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki will return to Barber Motorsports Park for the real thing on April 18-20 when the track plays host to the second round of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship.

Ex-wife of former Hells Angel loses lawsuit against advisers
Vancouver Sun,  Canada - NANAIMO - Dismissing the plaintiff's evidence as "at times demonstrably false," a B.C. Supreme Court judge has rejected a former Hells Angel's ex-wife's lawsuit against her legal and financial advisers.
Christine Diane Beban had claimed she should have received as much as four times the $1.7 million she settled for in her divorce from Lyle Newton, a former member of the Nanaimo chapter of the biker gang.
In an action launched in 2006, Beban sued Gordon F. Hubley and D. Jeffrey Harder, both chartered accountants and Dinyar Marzban, her lawyer, arguing that bad advice and representation from the three led to her insufficient settlement.
But in a judgment this week, Justice Kathryn Neilson of the B.C. Supreme Court dismissed the actions against the two accountants and awarded nominal damages for breach of contract against Marzban.
The key to the suit, Neilson wrote, was credibility. And in her judgment, she found Beban severely lacking in that respect.

Hells Angels motorcycle gang celebrates 60
San Bernardino Sun, CA - YUCAIPA - Thousands of Hells Angels are expected to roll into town Friday for what the motorcycle club is hailing as "the biggest, baddest anniversary party in the world."
Up to 4,000 members of the worldwide motorcycle club, which established its first chapter in Fontana in 1948, are said to be thundering into town for a seven-hour bash at Angels Roadhouse Bar & Grill to celebrate the Hells Angels' 60th anniversary.
The bar, known to be run by Hells Angels, also hosted the club's 50th and 55th anniversary parties.
Up to 2,200 people can fit in the large red building - complete with a stage, pool tables and several big-screen TVs - and bartenders said they are prepared to turn people away at the door once Angels Roadhouse reaches capacity.
The Web site for Angels Roadhouse, which used to be called Crossroads Concert Bar & Grill, shows two pistols with barrels crossed and the slogan "Let's rock and roll."
Owner Rene Bicary could not be reached for comment, but a bartender said the party will be "rockin'." There will be a $20 cover charge to join the festivities, which are open to the public. The party will last from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Donald Jordan, an attorney who represented San Bernardino Hells Angels members in the 1970s, had a message to deliver from some of the bikers.
"The Hells Angels neither confirm nor deny anything about anything," Jordan said with a chuckle.
Jordan said he will not attend the
Friday night party at Angels Roadhouse but does plan to attend the private after-party at the San Bernardino clubhouse at Medical Center Drive and 19th Street.
Authorities said they are not expecting trouble Friday, but two county San Bernardino Movement Against Street Hoodlums teams and 40 extra sheriff's deputies will be patrolling the area.
"There is obviously past history of violence with certain motorcycle clubs. We as a department are preparing for that type of violence but with the hopes that doesn't occur," said a San Bernardino County sheriff's spokesman, Lt. Dave Phelps.
The Hells Angels made national headlines in 2002 after two members and a member of the rival Mongols were killed in a riot at Harrah's Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nev.
The last major local run-in with authorities was in 2003, when a search warrant was served at the San Bernardino clubhouse during a five-state investigation into suspected gun and drug activity at motorcycle clubs.
People who live on Dunlap Boulevard near Angels Roadhouse said the bikers have always been respectful in the past.
The first charter opened locally in 1948, named after the Army Air Corps 303rd Bombardment Group of World War II.

Easy Rider producer 'kills himself'
The Press Association - The associate producer of Easy Rider - still seen by many as the ultimate road movie - has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities say.
Bill Hayward, 66, shot himself in the heart with a handgun in Castaic, California on March 9, county coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said. The suicide occurred in a trailer where Hayward was living.
Hayward has already been cremated and a memorial service was planned for April, said his friend Toby Rafelson.
"He was a wonderful man and this is a great tragedy for our family," Easy Rider director and star Dennis Hopper said in a statement. Hopper was married and had a daughter with Hayward's sister, Brooke, in the 1960s.
Hayward was born on March 27, 1941, the son of theatrical agent Leland Hayward and actress Margaret Sullavan, whose family is as famous for its tragedy and torment as its filmmaking.
Sullavan, who starred in the film The Shop Around the Corner and also had been married to Henry Fonda and director William Wyler, died of a drug overdose. Her daughter Bridget died of an overdose just eight months later.
Bill Hayward and his sister Brooke, a model and later an actress, both were sent to ritzy boarding schools and to equally pricey mental institutions in their teen years.
The family's troubles were chronicled in Brooke Hayward's best-selling 1977 memoir Haywire, which became a 1980 TV movie that Bill Hayward produced. The book discusses Bill and Brooke Hayward's belief that their mother and sister may have killed themselves, and Bill Hayward shared his thoughts on suicide.
"It would be more of a challenge not to do it," he said. "Since it seems to run in the family. It's like trying to beat the system. There must be something inherently weird. The family drops like flies."
Hayward collaborated with Peter Fonda and Hopper on Easy Rider, the groundbreaking countercultural 1969 biker pic, and worked largely as an entertainment lawyer after that, with only occasional producing credits. He was at one point married to the British-born actress Fiona Lewis.

Sturgis chamber sues Kentucky biker event
Rapid City Journal, SD - The organizers of a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, Ky., are infringing on the trademark of South Dakota's Sturgis motorcycle rally, the Sturgis, S.D., Chamber of Commerce alleged Thursday in complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Rapid City.
Sturgis Rally Camping at Katmandu
3 miles to Sturgis, shuttlebus downtown to the rally, no traffic side of town, cold beer, new food vendor, laundry, private showers.
katmanducampground.com
Ads by Yahoo! Chamber officials said in the complaint that they have organized, sponsored, marketed and promoted the rally, spending substantial sums of money, and that they are filing the complaint to protect the return on that investment.
The complaint alleges the Kentucky group's use of the name "Little Sturgis Rally" constitutes trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition and deceptive trade practice.
"The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce has long been on record that it intends to defend the rights of the Sturgis motorcycle rally in a continued effort to see it provide substantial benefits to the residents of Sturgis, S.D.," Sturgis chamber president Scott Reiman said in a news release.
"Other events around the country unlawfully playing on the name of our event can dilute the value of the rally and, most notably, harm our sponsorship efforts. The city of Sturgis, as our licensee, uses these marks to sell sponsorship to the event that helps to offset costs and provide a return to the residents of Sturgis. We owe it to the community to make sure that return is protected."
The chamber uses the proceeds from licensing the rally name and logos to support community and economic development projects, according to the complaint.
Sturgis, Ky., is a town of about 2,000 in the western part of the state. Its 16th Annual Little Sturgis Rally and Races for Charity is planned for July 17 - 20 at a county fairgrounds there.
The Kentucky rally brings in about 20,000 people a year and has raised about $2 million for various area charities since it began, Little Sturgis Rally board president Billy House said Thursday.
He was not aware of the lawsuit before being contacted by the Journal.
"I don't see what's the problem, myself," he said.
He said he does not think the "little" rally benefits from any perceived affiliation with the South Dakota rally.
"Personally, I do not, no," he said. "There's other rallies that's a whole lot bigger than us, and they're not using the Sturgis name."
He said the event began as a small charitable event and ballooned.
"I think it's just because of the motorcycle craze more than anything else," said House, who isn't a biker. "There's rallies going on everywhere."
He said he did not know why the issue is arising now.
Reiman, with the Sturgis, S.D., chamber, also said he did not know why the legal complaint was arising now. He said it is not common for the rally here to have to defend its name.
"We've called it Little Sturgis since day one," House said. "I've never been to Sturgis, South Dakota, but I think our rally is totally different from there. ... We're not the same as they are. We don't have any of the big entertainers."
He said the most popular bands that had played his rally are Confederate Railroad and The Kentucky Headhunters, but not ZZ Top.
This is not the first time the South Dakota chamber has acted to defend the rights of the Sturgis community from an attempt by "Little Sturgis" to play on the fame of the Sturgis mark.
In January of 2002, an individual named Philip William Smith filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to obtain federal trademark registration of "Little Sturgis Rally" in connection with "entertainment in nature of motorcycle rally," and the South Dakota group successfully challenged the application.
House said he didn't remember the details of that challenge.
Reiman said, "I suspect the NFL would not tolerate a 'Little NFL' and that NASCAR would certainly not condone a 'Little NASCAR,' for the same reasons that we reject the unauthorized use of our trademarks to promote a 'Little Sturgis' motorcycle rally."

Motorcyclist injured in crash with deputy's car
Fresno Bee (subscription), CA - A motorcycle rider suffered major injuries Wednesday night when he collided with a Tulare County sheriff's patrol car in the Porterville area, California Highway Patrol officers reported Thursday.
The motorcycle rider, Lonnie Willis, 45, of Porterville, was taken to Sierra View Hospital in Porterville.
The deputy, Joseph Teller, 54, of Tulare was not injured, officers said.
The accident was reported shortly after 10 p.m. at East Date Avenue and South Park Street.
Officers said the deputy was going east on Date when he attempted to make a left turn onto Park and turned into the path of the motorcycle, which was going west on Date.
Officers said Willis, operating a 2005 Suzuki, applied the brakes but was unable to avoid a collision and he hit the right rear quarter panel of the deputy's Crown Victoria.

Injured motorcycle officer is out of Yakima hospital
Yakima Herald-Republic, WA - YAKIMA -- A Yakima police motorcycle officer who was hospitalized after a crash two weeks ago is recuperating.
Yakima Regional Cardiac and Medical Center officials said Officer Darryl Henning, 42, was released earlier this week.
Henning suffered two broken wrists and a fractured pelvis and had his left leg broken in four places after colliding with a 1994 Plymouth Voyager minivan on March 5 near North 24th and Summitview avenues.
Police have told the minivan driver, Yakima Herald-Republic copy editor Tim Kelly, that he will be cited for failing to yield.
Henning's motorcycle had its emergency lights activated; police said he may have been trying to catch up to a car while conducting traffic enforcement. Kelly told police he did not see the bike before pulling onto Summitview.
Henning is an 18-year veteran of the force and one of the department's five active motorcycle police officers.

Man killed in motorcycle crash
Cape Cod Times, MA - SANDWICH — A Carver man died in a motorcycle crash on Main Street last night.
Michael S. Ouellette, 41, was killed instantly when his 1982 Yamaha motorcycle crashed into two utility poles near 105 Main St., the police said.
"There was no pulse when police and Sandwich rescue got to him," said Sandwich police Sgt. Daniel J. O'Connell.
Ouellette was traveling west on Main Street when he lost control and struck the utility poles.
He was wearing a helmet, the police said.
The motorcycle hit the poles and came to rest on the shoulder of the road. Ouellette landed 6 to 8 feet from the bike, O'Connell said.
Several people dialed 911 to report the accident at 7:39 p.m. Witnesses driving behind him told police Ouellette was traveling at a high rate of speed.
Sandwich firefighters attempted to call for a helicopter to take him to a Boston hospital, but the flights were grounded by weather conditions, O'Connell said.
Ouellette, who officials said was married, was pronounced dead at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis.

Car, motorcycle collide head-on
News-Leader.com, MO - A Springfield man was seriously injured this afternoon in Greene County when a car hit his motorcycle head-on, the Missouri Highway Patrol said.
The accident happened on Greene County FF inside Battlefield when a 2000 Honda Accord driven by William Schroeder, 77, of Springfield, crossed the center line and struck a 2008 Harley Davidson driven by Michael Davis, 40, of Springfield, according to the patrol’s report.
Davis suffered serious injuries and was taken to Cox South hospital in Springfield, the patrol said. He was reportedly wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclist killed in Washoe Valley identified
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - A motorcyclist who died Tuesday morning in a Washoe Valley accident has been identified, the Nevada Highway Patrol reported.
Michael Patrick Burns, 46 of Dayton, died when he was struck driving south on U.S. 395. Roberta Royle, 60, of Carson City turned her Dodge pickup truck left onto northbound 395 from the Bowers Mansion exit shortly after 10:30 a.m. and did not see Burns, the NHP said. The cycle struck the truck.
Burns was not wearing an approved motorcycle helmet and could not be revived at the scene, the NHP said. Neither Royle nor her passenger were injured.

Warning to motorcyclists: watch out for sandy roads
WBAY, WI - GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - State officials say there will be a new hazard for motorcyclists on Wisconsin roadways this spring -- sand.
With many road crews running out of salt, they have turned to sand applications to deal with snow and ice on roadways.
But once the snow is gone, the sand residue will make things slick for motorcycles.
Ron Thompson is manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program of the state Department of Transportation.
He says motorcyclists will have to look ahead and watch out for sand and the hazard it creates for them.
He's got the same advice regarding the many potholes that the harsh winter has created in roads throughout the state.
And he reminds them to wear proper gear, including sturdy clothing and foot gear, as well as a helmet.

Man suffers injuries after flipping motorcycle
News-Leader.com, MO - A Springfield man was injured this afternoon in Greene County when his motorcycle ran off the road, struck a culvert and flipped, the Missouri Highway Patrol said.
The accident happened on Greene County UU three quarters of a mile north of Bois D’Arc when Jeffrey Traczyk, 48, was riding a 2008 Harley Davidson and failed to negotiate a curve, according to the patrol’s report.
Traczyk suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Cox South hospital in Springfield, the patrol said. He was reportedly wearing a helmet.

Nampa man dies from injuries sustained in motorcycle crash
KBCI CBS 2, ID - CALDWELL - Idaho State Police says a Caldwell man has died as the result of a motorcycle accident that occurred about two weeks ago.
Authorities say Sean Clark, 20, of Nampa died at noon on Thursday at St. Als.
Officials say on March 8, ISP and Caldwell Police responded to a report of a crash on Bristol Avenue in Caldwell. They say Clark hit a Dodge pick up that was being driven out of a residence.
They say Clark and Adam Cressman, 20, of Boise were reportedly riding two off-road motorcycles at high rates of speed. Cressman was taken to Canyon County jail and charged with DUI.

Deer could have killed couple
The Sun, UK - A WILD deer could have caused a fatal motorcycle smash which killed a married couple, police said today.
Keith Courtney, 41, and his wife Anna Courtney-Forsyth, 31, died after their Piaggio motorcycle crashed.
A deer carcass was found near the scene, and it will be examined by a vet to confirm it was hit by the motorcycle, said the police.
The couple, from the Launceston area of Cornwall, died on Tuesday after the crash on an unclassified road near Launceston.
Mr Courtney, who was the driver, died at the scene.
His wife was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where she later died, said a Devon and Cornwall police spokesman.

Boca man dies in Oakland Park motorcycle crash on I-95
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - OAKLAND PARK - A Boca Raton motorcyclist died early Thursday morning after a vehicle collision ejected him into the path of another car.
Jerome Raymond Campbell, 28, was heading north on Interstate 95 at about 2:30 a.m. just south of Oakland Park Boulevard, said Sgt. Mark Wysocky, a spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol.
Campbell was speeding in the outside lane when his motorcycle struck a truck from behind, according to authorities.
The crash ejected Campbell from his 2004 Yamaha bike into the center lane, where a Ford Mustang driven by Alq Gurley of Pembroke Pines struck him as he was lying on the road. The Mustang lost control and collided with the concrete wall on the right side of the road.
The truck driver, Zachary Lee Smith, 47, of Davie, and Gurley, 46, suffered no injuries, said officials. Rescue workers pronounced Campbell dead at the scene.