TT 2017: Lightweight victory for veteran Rutter

Michael Rutter returned to the top step of the Isle of Man TT podium with a dominant victory in the Bennetts Lightweight TT this afternoon.

The veteran racer, who broke down from the lead of the 650cc Supertwin race last year, led the four lap battle from the off to stretch out a strong lead ahead of Riders Motorcycles’ Martin Jessopp.

Rutter was unchallenged on the Paton, even after losing eight seconds to rival Jessopp in the pits, as he went on to stretch out an 8.8 second lead as he crossed the line to take his fifth TT victory.

TOP STORIES

• WSBK: Hayden ‘extremely critical’ after cycling accident
• 7 top touring bikes to suit all budgets
• A day at Rocket Ron’s race school
• MotoGP 17 video game gets eSport championship
• MCN Fleet: Ninja accessories (not throwing stars or Nunchucks)

Jessopp took his second TT podium in the runner-up spot, with Peter Hickman impressing as he took his fourth podium from the four races so far this week on the KMR Kawasaki.  
Hickman’s podium came at the expense of twice Lightweight TT winner Ivan Lintin, who occupied third after the second Paton of Stefano Bonetti retired at the Creg ny Ba. However, it all went wrong for Lintin in the pits as an issue with his helmet saw him lose vital time.

Lintin would eventually cross the line fourth, ahead of Dan Cooper and Josh Brookes. Michael Dunlop took seventh ahead of James Cowton, with Michael Sweeney and Jamie Hodson rounding out the top ten. 

BENNETTS LIGHTWEIGHT TT

1. Michael Rutter – SC Project Paton 
2. Martin Jessopp – Riders Motorcycles Kawasaki +8.818
3. Peter Hickman – IEG KMR Kawasaki +40.495 (to Jessopp) 
4. Ivan Lintin – Dafabet Devitt Racing +32.228
5. Daniel Cooper – Dan Cooper Racing +17.035 
6. Joshua Brookes – IEG KMR Racing +25.370 
7. Michael Dunlop – McAdoo Kawasaki +25.370
8. James Cowton – McAdoo Kawasaki +50.889 
9. Michael Sweeney – Kiely Heating +48.827
10. Jamie Hodson – JGH/Idesign Kitchen & Bathrooms Kawasaki +38.600 

Pick up a copy of our special edition McGuinness: Ordinary bloke. Extraordinary Racer. This special from MCN, celebrates the career of one of the sport’s best-loved road racers. Affectionately known as McPint, John’s career has wowed and entertained bike racing fans for more than 20 years. Buy it here. 

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.