Former MotoGP-turned-World Endurance Championship (EWC) rider Sylvain Guintoli has parted with his one-of-a-kind, Sega-designed, Shadow The Hedgehog-themed motorbike. The "Dark Rider - Year of the Shadow" bike was auctioned earlier this month, selling for a staggering price far surpassing its evaluation.

Guintoli is renowned for his recent charity work as much as his racing record. In recent years, Sylvain has raised considerable money for various children's charities, including the Luca Guintoli Foundation, a benefit founded by Sylvain and his wife, Caroline, after the passing of their son, Luca, in 2025.

This past summer, to raise money and awareness for foundation partner PASIC (Parents' Association for Seriously Ill Children), Sylvain ran the London Marathon in full motorcycle leathers - his suit emblazoned with the image of Sega superstar Sonic the Hedgehog, who was Luca's favourite character.

When Guntoli contacted Sega to obtain permission to feature The Blue Blur on his racing suit, the veteran game studio not only agreed to his request, but also donated its one-of-a-kind 'Dark Rider' bike, based on Sonic series' anti-hero Shadow the Hedgehog. The bike had previously been used to promote the 2024 film Sonic the Hedgehog 3, in which Shadow made his big-screen debut.

Guntoli would go on to run the 2026 London Marathon, completing the annual race in just under four hours and raising an amazing £164,500 ($219,200 USD) for PASIC.

On October 11, the Dark Rider - a custom 2000 Bourget - went under the hammer at the Bonhams Autumn Stafford sale, an annual show that sees the sale and purchase of rare and vintage motorbikes. The Dark Rider had been valued at around £10,000 to £15,000 by auctioneers. However, when the sale closed, the crimson red monster sold for an eye-watering £210,000 ($279,888 USD).

The money will be donated directly to the Luca Guintoli Foundation to support affected children and families, and to aid research into paediatric cancers and other childhood illnesses.

The Dark Rider itself is not a "road-ready" bike and is designed more as a showpiece than a working mode of transportation. But its symbolism is, naturally, of greater importance than its performance. And thanks to Sega's generous donation, one particularly generous bidder, and, of course, the tireless efforts of Guntoli, the foundation, and PASIC, more families living with paediatric cancer can receive the support, care, and assistance they need.

Donations to the Luca Guintoli Foundation can be made on the foundation's website

Thanks to WorldSBK for the Marathon Tweet and RideApart for details on the Dark Rider and its auction.