On your bike Jeremy: Clarkson shuns usual four wheels as he awaits BBC inquiry
CONTROVERSIAL TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has dismissed cyclists as “wizened muesli freaks in figure-hugging Lycra”.
So onlookers could be forgiven for being surprised by his chosen mode of transport yesterday.
The self-confessed petrol head rode off from his west London home on a bike.
Dressed in jeans, a quilted jacket and trainers Clarkson set off from the house in Kensington and returned – on the bike – two hours later.
One onlooker said: “Jezza just came out and went across to the garage and we thought he’d come out in a Ferrari or something but he appeared with this bike.
“He said hello to everyone and looked in good spirits.
"He looked in even better spirits when he returned so maybe he was having a nice pub lunch.”
Whether he will be in such good spirits today is anyone’s guess.
A BBC executive last night predicted that the Top Gear host is likely to be “dealt with in a very serious way” in the next 24 hours.
Radio 1 controller Ben Cooper said management is expected to make an imminent ruling after the inquiry into suspended Clarkson’s alleged punching of producer Oisin Tymon heard all the evidence.
The 54-year-old host and 36-year-old producer have given their versions of the “fracas” at a country hotel.
The support behind Jeremy is reflected in the betting, with over 60 per cent of bets going in favour of him keeping his job
Mr Cooper said the ruling by inquiry chief Ken MacQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland, is “about 24 hours away”.
He said: “If my son or daughter went to a place of work where they were shouted at, abused and someone threw a punch at them I would want there to be an inquiry and for that to be dealt with in a very serious way.
"That’s what the BBC is currently doing.”
Clarkson is thought to have been considering his options after his suspension two weeks ago from the show that he presents with Richard Hammond and James May.
He was said to have punched Mr Tymon after the hotel refused to serve him hot food.
Results of the corporation’s internal investigation are being handed to director-general Tony Hall.
BBC chiefs have not commented on when the investigation will be completed but it is understood that they want it finished as soon as possible.
The corporation earns an annual £50million from selling the rights to the show to other countries.
Meanwhile four Top Gear Live shows have been postponed.
Tickets for the events in Norway cost between £42 and £100 which could cost the BBC more than £1million in lost revenue.
Bookmakers Coral said most punters believe Clarkson will survive his latest controversy.
Spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “The support behind Jeremy is reflected in the betting, with over 60 per cent of bets going in favour of him keeping his job.”
