PIT STOP AT THE ALTAR

MotoGP racer Brad Binder and his beautiful bride Courtney Renniers tied the knot in a sun-kissed ceremony in Stellenbosch

- SIPHOKAZI ZAMA

HEAR his name and you'll think of him tearing down tracks all over the world, putting his body on the line as he navigates bends at death-defying speeds.

But it was a different Brad Binder who arrived at the Molenvliet Vineyard on the banks of the Banghoek River in Stellenbosch on a sunny day in December.

He'd swopped his specially designed leather suit and helmet for a tux and his bike was nowhere to be seen.

This day was all about romance – and South Africa's MotoGP star was in his element. Brad (28) was finally marrying Courtney Renniers, the love of his life, after a near seven-year romance.

The couple live in Andorra, a landlocked country between France and Spain, but they decided to have their wedding in South Africa so their family and friends could be part of the festivities.

"Our favourite people travelled from all over the country and the world to come and celebrate with us," Courtney (29) tells YOU shortly after the ceremony.

"Most of Brad's team from Red Bull KTM - 44 in total - made the trip over."

The couple went all out with 10 groomsmen and bridesmaids and 264 guests. But mostly it was a family affair. Brad's parents, Sharon and Trevor, and Courtney's mom and dad, Elsabe and Craig, have both been married for 32 years and "they're incredible role models for us", the bride says.

Courtney's sister, Astin, was her maid of honour and Brad's brother, Darryn, who races in Moto2 - the second division of the sport - was his best man.

"My nieces Ella, Capri and Gemma Piper were our flower girls and my gran Wendy Eilerd and Brad's gran Hazel Williams walked down the aisle first, Courtney says.

"The amount of love, support and effort that went into everything they did for the two of us was truly incredible."

To make the day even more special Ockie van Niekerk, the Renniers' priest and family friend, officiated the wedding.