Isle of Man TT: Cummins out of today’s Superbike TT race

Conor Cummins has just withdrawn from today’s six-lap Superbike TT race.

The Manxman suffered two broken fingers in his right hand at the North West 200 just over a week ago.

Cummins has practiced on his Tyco TAS Suzukis all week and clocked a best lap of 124.90mph. He told MCN: “I’m gutted but I’m not going to be able to ride today. I’ve given it a go and felt okay in practice but you only do a maximum of four laps in a session and it’s not a race situation.

“I would have had to do six laps today and I realised that might not be possible right now. Firstly, I need to be safe for myself and others. Secondly I don’t want to disgrace myself. And I’ve taken the decision that I won’t race today.”

Today’s decision doesn’t mean the Manxman is totally out of the TT though and he may race next week.

He added: “I’ve been in consultation with my surgeon Ross Barker throughout and he’s said I’ve taken the right decision. I need to give the injury more time to heal and with something like this, 24 hours is a long time to aid recovery. We’ll have another look on Monday but at this stage I’m just going to have to take it as it comes.

“It’s so disappointing after all my hard work – and all the work the team has put in to give me such great bikes.

“I’ve trained my balls off for this TT and  I’m not going to be able to race because of the action of one out of control rider (Gary Johnson) who wiped me out at the North West. As I said, I’m gutted.”