Classic TT: McGuinness wins on first return to the Isle of Man course

John McGuinness has made the dream return to the Isle of Man mountain course, winning the Senior Classic TT aboard his Roger Winfield Paton ahead of Jamie Coward and Lee Johnston.

After missing the last two Isle of Man TTs after breaking his leg at the 2017 North West 200 races, the Morecambe Missile crossed the line after four laps 1’53.072 ahead of Coward and a further 25.584 seconds faster than Johnston, with an overall race time of 1:22’52.747.

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Speaking after the race, an evidently delighted John said: “I never thought I’d be back in the winner’s enclosure here, but I’ve worked really hard and it feels very special. The Paton was great – it never missed a beat.

“It’s an amazing feeling and we had no problems from the drop of the flag, but it was hard work. It takes it out of you after all the barbecues and pies.” 

Starting in the number one slot, McGuinness was already eight seconds up on a pursuing Maria Costello by the first timing point, with fellow Morcambe man Alan Oversby sitting 10 seconds behind the leader.

McGuinness then continued to add to this lead, commanding a 46 second advantage by the time he had passed Glen Helen on the second lap, with Costello and Oversby retiring from the contest in sperate incidents on the third and first lap.

This eventually allowed Coward and Johnston to move into second and third positions, with the duo scrapping it out for second spot for the remainder of the race.

McGuinness and Johnston pitted at the end of the third lap, allowing Coward to move into second place and Linsdell Enfield rider Chris Swallow into third, who was 14 seconds clear of Johnston at Glen Helen. Despite this, the Davies Motorsport Honda rider was able to catch and pass him to claim the final spot on the podium.

Mick Moreton had an off on his Paton at Handleys on the opening lap of the race, but was unhurt.

Pick up this week’s MCN for an extensive, 36-page British Grand Prix preview featuring exclusive interviews with Rossi, Marquez and Lorenzo, a hot lap with Cal Crutchlow and the tech secrets between Marquez’ championship-leading Honda.

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