40-year Isle of Man TT veteran and record holder prohibited from racing after suffering a stroke
Isle of Man TT veteran and record holder Dave Madsen-Mygdal has been forced to step back from racing for at least 12 months after suffering a stroke.
- Related: Speedway fans across the globe show support for Tai Woffinden following racing accident in Poland
The 69-year-old racer holds the accolade of having more TT appearances under his belt than any other competitor in history, lining up on the Glencrutchery Road start line on more than 150 occasions throughout his career.
He has been racing on the Mountain Course for more than 40 years, starting with the 1981 Manx Grand Prix.
A statement confirmed: “We would like to let everyone know that Dave suffered a major ischaemic stroke seven weeks ago. He’s feeling much better and has made a remarkable recovery so far.”
- Related: Former road racer Steve Mercer prepares to get back on a bike after life-changing TT accident
The Oxfordshire-born rider had intended to race at the 2025 North West 200, the Isle of Man TT, and the Manx Grand Prix in 2025 but has now had his ACU licence revoked on medical grounds after the incident, which took place in late February – meaning that he will be unable to compete until 2026.
Before regaining accreditation to race, he will have to undergo an exercise tolerance electrocardiogram (commonly known as a stress ECG).
Madsen-Mygdal said: “It has been fairly hard to come to terms with the fact that I had a stroke. I thought I was fairly fit. Obviously, I wasn’t.
“I was only skiing a fortnight before I had the stroke. I was doing what I shouldn’t have been doing – drinking, not eating enough, dehydrated, not drinking water, smoking.”
Despite suffering the serious health complication, Madsen-Mygdal is reportedly on the mend and doing well.
“When I first went in, I couldn’t move my arm and I couldn’t speak,” the racer added. “Within three days, I could talk again. Now I can walk perfectly okay and my arm – it’s working, but it’s weak. With exercise, it should come back.”
MCN wishes Madsen-Mygdal a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on two wheels soon.
