TT 2017: Thursday practice cancelled as weather continues to wreak havoc

Thursday’s Isle of Man TT practice session has been cancelled due to the mist already affecting parts of the course and the radar predicting imminent heavy rainfall.

Poor weather conditions have caused TT bosses major headaches so far this week with just one full practice session having taken place so far out of a scheduled five.

While last night’s practice got underway with solo riders able to complete one lap, heavy mist rolling in over the course eventually resulted in the cancellation of the rest of the session despite organisers best attempts to introduce contingency plans including a speed-controlled mountain section.

Tonight’s planned sessions will now move over to Friday, with the forecast looking much more favourable, however with the lack of practice it is expected that changes will be made to the race schedule.

TOP STORIES

• Lewis Hamilton teased by his own team
• Husqvarna unveil fuel-injected two-stroke range
• Special forces get electric motorcycle
• MCN Fleet: A simple (and cheap) gearbox fix for the 2002 Fireblade
• JvB moto’s righteous R NineT

Yesterday, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said the possibility of pushing Saturday’s races back to Sunday and using the clear day on Saturday for extra practice laps is looking increasingly likely.  A new race schedule is expected to be issued later this afternoon.

“The rain is very close and it’s going to be persistent and heavy,” Thompson said, announcing the cancellation of this evening’s sessions. “As you can see looking across, the mountain is already obscured which is already affecting helicopter operations and it’s only to get worse. Tonight’s session is cancelled; we’ll go ahead with practice tomorrow with weather looking much better.” 

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.