Roberts backs Sheene to beat cancer

Sheene and Roberts enjoyed some fierce battles

Kenny Roberts has backed his old rival Barry Sheene to win his fight against cancer.

The 51-year-old Sheene has been receiving treatment after being diagnosed with throat and stomach cancer last month.

This is a total pain but I'm going to fight it

Barry Sheene

And former world champion Roberts, who is currently in Brno for the Czech Republic Grand Prix with his KR Proton race team, sent his best wishes to the Briton.

Sheene facing toughest test

"We were all very shocked when we heard the news today," said Roberts, who was involved in some terrific battles with Sheene during the 1970s.

"I just hope they have caught the illness in its early stages.

"Everybody here in Brno wishes him well and we are all thinking of him.

"Barry was always a great fighter and I'm sure he will fight just as hard again."

The cancer was discovered after Sheene visited a doctor complaining of a sore throat and trouble swallowing.

Send your messages to Barry Sheene

David Miller, a friend of the Sheene family, said he was currently feeling unwell and had requested no contact from the media.

However, Miller insisted Sheene, who now lives in Australia, was upbeat about his chances.