Isle of Man TT race under fire after third death in five days
The world-famous Isle of Man TT race has come under fire after three deaths at the iconic event in the last week.
Northern Irish rider Davy Morgan crashed on Monday, becoming the third victim of the high-speed race in just five days.
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Welsh rider Mark Purslow died in practice on Friday, while sidecar passenger Olivier Lavorel was killed in an accident on Saturday.
The races around the island off the north-west coast of England are being held again after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the longest break for the event since World War II.
Morgan came off his bike at the 27th Milestone of the third and final lap during the Supersport event.
TT organisers confirmed his tragic death later on Monday.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Isle of Man TT Races can confirm the loss of Davy Morgan following an incident on the final lap of the first Supersport Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races," organisers said in a statement.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Davy’s partner Trudy, his family, loved ones, and friends.
“Davy was a stalwart of the TT paddock, with 2022 marking 20 years since he first competed in the Isle of Man TT Races. Today’s Supersport Race was his 80th TT race start.
“His distinctive pink helmet was a regular and recognisable sight within road racing, having competed in hundreds of races across the Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT, Southern 100, North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix, Macau Grand Prix, Oliver’s Mount, and Irish national races, with numerous podiums and race victories along the way.
"Davy had recorded 49 finishes which included 25 top-twenty results, and his previous performances had earned him 14 Silver Replicas and 30 Bronze Replicas.
"His best lap around the TT Mountain Course was at an average speed of 125.134mph which he set in the 2010 Senior TT."
There will be a tribute to Mark shown tonight at 9pm on ITV4 before the TT highlights. We are not sure what this will entail but wanted to share incase others wanted to watch. We will have the TV on at 8:55. Thank you for everyone's kind words of support, pictures and love❤️ pic.twitter.com/A0q2HlvTR4
— Mark Purslow Racing (@MPurslowRacing) June 3, 2022
It takes a special kind of talent to win a Manx GP race at your first attempt. Mark Purslow was just that. A proud young Welshman who gave it his everything. Sadly now it’s cost him everything.
Thoughts and condolences with Mark’s family and friends at this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/12crBdxwMU— Jim Hunter (@Jim_Hunter_MGP) June 2, 2022
Isle of Man TT under fire after triple tragedy
The triple tragedy has renewed calls to ban the event or improve safety measures markedly.
Since it was first held in 1907, there have been 263 deaths in the TT races, Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT held on the Isle of Man's public roads.
Regarded as the 'world's deadliest event', riders can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h along 60km and 264 corners of open roads.
Because it's a waste of human life
If someone held a gun festival where people got shot 3 times a year that shit would get shut down it's the same thing— Dino (@FormulaDino) June 7, 2022
3 deaths at the Isle of man TT. Madness. I know they know the risks. Just think if it was boxing and there were 3 deaths in such a short space of time what the outcry would be like. Why is this any different??
— Roasty (@roasty_mufc) June 7, 2022
Name any other motorsport event that has had 2 deaths per year since 2000. Go on, go crazy. The internet is your friend.
There is no bandwagon to stop the Isle of Man TT, that I know of anyway. I simply pointed out the factual reality that the course is no longer fit for purpose— Andrew Eager (@AndrewEager) June 5, 2022
I will never understand why this Isle of Man TT is a thing. So many people lost their lives during it. I could never take that risk if I would leave any family behind. #isleofmanTT
— Nicky M (@mufc_nicky) June 7, 2022
I always feel weird judging Isle of Man because its very much not something I follow or get involved with but can't help but wonder why competitors keep dying at such a rate.
— Bethonie Waring (@bethonieboost) June 6, 2022
It is tragic when these people die. That said, The Isle of Man TT is one of the few events where passionate riders can push themselves to the limit and risk their lives for an ultimate buzz.
It is their right and should never change.
They died doing the thing they love. #TT2022 https://t.co/wIiZsw9WQF— B.W. (@b_wright_esq) June 7, 2022
That's road racing, they know how dangerous it is, but it is tragic for the families of the rider who ends up killed. Its banned in most places, but common in Northern Ireland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. The danger is the appeal.
— Scott (@cholestrolI) June 7, 2022
In a heartbreaking twist, Morgan had been considering quitting the sport before the Covid pandemic, but decided to continue.
Speaking in an interview in 2020, Morgan said: "I've actually been contemplating quitting road racing for the past couple of years, but Covid has given me the opportunity to see what it would be like without motorbikes.
"I'm glad I had that chance because if I had decided that I was finished and sold the bikes and everything else, I'd have been kicking myself if I feel like I feel now because the whole infrastructure would have been gone, and it would be so difficult to start again.
"Being away from racing has given me the chance to reflect on what motorbike racing means to me, so I have no desire to retire from the sport for a while yet, and it's been a big part of my life for 27 years now."
with agencies
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