HE'S BEEN retired for a few years now, but we still miss Casey Stoner - two-time MotoGP champ on Ducati and Honda. Yes, we know a lot of you out there don't like him. But you're wrong. A top bloke, and one of the genuine legends with 38 premier class wins (including six in a row at Phillip Island), we'd love to see him taking on Marquez astride one of Gigi Dall'Igna's Desmosedicis this weekend.

The Australian entered MotoGP in 2006, taking pole in his second race before winning the championship in the following season, taking ten race wins and six pole positions. He added another MotoGP title in 2011 and finished his career the following year with 69 podiums, 39 pole positions and 29 fastest laps from his 115 race starts.

Sadly, it's not to be. But Stoner fans like us can dry our tears on the microfibre outers of these new replica Supertech R boots - launched at the Australian round of MotoGP. Under the slightly corny (or ironic?) kangaroo logos and southern-cross-adorned '27' logo is the usual top-notch comfy-yet-protective Supertech R boot. Removable inner braced bootee gives protection without adding bulk or restricting movement, replaceable outer sliders extend their life, and external PU protectors defend your tootsies against sliding and impact injuries.

The Supertechs also include a redesigned compound rubber sole, an ergonomically-profiled shin plate and a redesigned front flex area.

The boots are a firm favourite of racers and amateurs alike, with Stoner himself a long time fan of the Italian brand. We're also regular Supertech R users, and happily swear by them. Alpinestars has been making boots for a long time, and the firm knows its stuff for sure...

They will be available in Euro sizes 41 to 46. More info: www.alpinestars.com