enthusiasts of motorcycles sure know the legendary and spectacular race Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man , but for those who have not yet had the need to explain a little of its history because speed and adrenaline is not everything.
Who does not know TT on the Isle of Man?
The Manx is a small dependent island the British crown located between England and Ireland, north of the Irish Sea with a population of just over 30,000 people. In this extraordinary place is held every year between late May and early June one of the most famous, long, spectacular and dangerous races in the world.
The Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man was first held on 28 May 1907 and since then is a street race where the race track and roads streets (closed to traffic) of Eye. At the beginning, the tour consisted of 25 kilometers, but today, because of the speed catch motorcycles, has been expanded to 60. The first winner made the trip in just over four hours.
During the 50s and 60s and even early 70s was a career member of the Motorcycle World Championship where riders had run such as Joey Dunlop with 26 victories, Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini with 14 with 11. Because of the danger and the large number of injured or killed was Agostini even in 1972, after the death of a compatriot, requested the withdrawal of TT on the Isle of Man as test scoring championship in the world. In fact, this year claimed the victim 246.
The current race format is far from these beginnings early last century. It five categories where one pilot can participate and the total number of points earned in all of them is the one that gives the overall winner. In addition, there are various prizes for fastest laps sidecar or even category. This format is what makes the most winningest drivers are current and that they have the opportunity to win up to five oc Asion in every celebration.
Currently if we approach the end of May Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man can see riders like Ian Hutchinson (2015 winner), John McGuiness and Michael Dunlop, all with more than 10 victories.
As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I leave a video spectacular racing in 2013 where besides dad can appreciate the great cyclist Ambiete and camaraderie that always accompany this sport.
After watching this, who has no desire to go see Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man ?
Photos: Jonathan Camp, thewhitetiger, Matt Hancock