This year’s TT will be remembered by many for relentless weather, shortened racing and dreams of what could’ve been.
Such has been the Manx weather, rain affected seven of the nine days originally set aside for racing.
Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson described the conditions as exceptional and “undoubtedly one of the most challenging TTs in recent years from a weather perspective”.
He added: “Throughout the event, the weather simply hasn’t worked in our favour. We have faced low cloud, rain, standing water and changing conditions across different parts of the Mountain Course, which have significantly limited the windows available to us.”
Disappointment
Mr Thompson acknowledged the disappointment felt by many, stating: “We fully appreciate that today’s outcome will be disappointing for competitors, teams, sponsors, volunteers and, of course, the thousands of fans who travel to the Isle of Man from around the world to experience the TT.”
He confirmed that organisers made every effort to work within the constraints, saying: “However, throughout the event we have remained committed to making the very best use of every available weather window, while carefully managing the operational, logistical and safety considerations involved in delivering racing on the Mountain Course.”
Mr Thompson also reminded that such challenges are inherent to the event, explaining: “The challenges we have faced this year are part of the nature of an event that takes place on 37.73 miles of public roads. That is what makes the TT unique, but it also means that weather and course conditions will always play a significant role in determining what is possible.”
He concluded with thanks to “our competitors, teams, marshals, volunteers, officials, medical teams, residents, partners and fans for their patience, understanding and continued support throughout what has been a difficult week”.