Isle of Man TT 2022: Olivier Lavorel has died

Isle of Man TT organisers have released a statement to confirm the passing of Sidecar passenger Olivier Lavorel.

The Frenchman sustained serious injuries in an accident on the first lap of the opening Sidecar race at this year’s TT at Ago’s Leap.

Driver, César Chanel was killed in the crash, however at the time, due to a case of mistaken identification, it was initially announced that Lavorel had died. An inquest into the case revealed that Lavorel and Chanel has swapped their identification dog tags. The inquest concluded there was not enough evidence to determine why this was the case.

Lavorel was transferred from hospital in Liverpool to a hospital in France in late June, where he continued his treatment. Sadly, he has now succumbed to his injuries.

The official statement reads:

“The Isle of Man TT Races is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sidecar competitor, Olivier Lavorel, from Sillingy, France.
 
“Olivier sustained serious injuries in an incident during the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races on the Saturday 4th June. The accident occurred at Ago’s Leap, just under 1 mile into the Course, and also claimed the life of Olivier’s team mate, César Chanel.
 
“Olivier was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool before being transferred to a hospital in France in late June where his treatment continued.
 
“Both Olivier and César were newcomers to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2022 but were an experienced pairing, taking numerous victories and podiums in the French F1 and F2 National Sidecar Championships.
 
“Everyone at the Isle of Man TT Races passes on their deepest sympathy to Olivier’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.”

Lavorel is the sixth 2022 Isle of Man TT competitor to have died. Solo racers Mark Purslow and Davy Morgan, and father-and-son Sidecar team Roger and Bradley Stockton also lost their lives in incidents at the road racing event. It’s the first time since 1970 that there have been six rider fatalities.

Our thoughts are with Olivier’s family and friends at this difficult time.