Rider and two spectators die in road race tragedy

A RIDER and two spectators died during yesterday’s centenary celebrations of the Isle of Man TT motorbike road race.

The accident happened as the world renowned two-week festival of racing was drawing to a close.

The English racer and one spectator died at the scene, a third person was pronounced dead in hospital and last night two more were being treated for injuries they received in the same incident.

The organisers of the race last night offered their condolences to the families and friends of all involved.

The name of the racer was released. He was 34-year-old Marc Ramsbotham, a married man from Norfolk, who worked as a HGV Driver and Plant Fitter. He was racing in the Senior TT event.

It was his first time racing in the event. He lost control at the 26th milestone near a statute dedicated to Northern Irish race legend Joey Dunlop.

The 26-times champion Dunlop himself was killed in a road race in Estonia seven years ago.

Yesterday’s tragedy brought a black cloud over the event through which Dunlop became a hero but which has already claimed the lives of more than 200 people in its 100-year history.

However, last night on the official race internet forums the biking community reacted angrily to suggestions the race should be modified or ended altogether.

“I think we are all feeling the same, the sad thing is, the media will be all over this tragic event. It has been a great event and as you say, the risks are high and for some they pay the ultimate price.

The names of the two other victims had not been released last night.