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Isle of Man TT: ‘Riders know the risks’, says event’s boss as organisers hope everyone leaves alive | UK News

The boss of the world’s deadliest motorsport event says riders have to accept risks, while insisting the Isle of Man TT is doing more than ever to improve safety.

This year’s two-week motorcycling festival began on Monday with new safety measures after six competitors died last year – equalling a tragic record.

But any talk of banning the event is dismissed on the island despite 266 fatalities now on the mountain course in the 116-year history of the races.

Clerk of the course Gary Thompson
Image:
Clerk of the course Gary Thompson

“We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past,” clerk of the course Gary Thompson told Sky News.

“The riders sign on, they know that risk. And, almost for them, that’s the challenge. For us, we manage that risk without taking away that challenge.”

The risks don’t bring great financial rewards compared to other sports. Riders compete for the thrill on a circuit winding through towns and villages on narrow roads past houses.

Padding on lamp posts offers minimal protection. But to manage the hazards, there is now GPS tracking of every competitor and a digital red flag system.

It is a celebratory fortnight for the local economy. The TT races can attract 40,000 visitors – around half the population of this British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea.

Pic: Isle of Man TT races
Image:
Pic: Isle of Man TT races

‘A lot of people think we’re idiots’

And Peter Hickman – who has won nine TT races – told Sky News: “I’m not forced to be here. I want to be here. It’s an obvious risk.”

Risks helped him set the course record in 2018 and he will continue to take them – undeterred by the fact only one year in the last 85 has seen no deaths in races.

“A lot of people think we’re just crazy or idiots,” Hickman said as he prepared for the first day of racing. “You take your brain out and put your helmet on.”

Peter Hickman
Image:
Peter Hickman

“It’s very, very much the opposite effect. So you’ve really got to use your brain.

“And you’ve got to take the risk when you want to take the risk – or if it’s necessary.

“So, for example, I hold the outright lap record here and I’m constantly getting asked, ‘Are you going to break that record?’ And my answer always is ‘only if I have to’.

“And by that I mean, I win the race at the slowest possible pace. Because the slower I win the race, the less risk to me.”

Pic: Isle of Man TT races
Image:
Pic: Isle of Man TT races

And the challenge of winning at the world’s oldest motorcycle event remains exhilarating for the 36-year-old.

“Life is short as it is,” he said. “I would rather go away doing something like this.”

The hope of organisers is that everyone leaves alive.

Read more:
Dad and son among racers who died in 2022 event
Rider defends Isle of Man TT
Organisers wrongly identified competitor who was killed

Even as we’re interviewing the Isle of Man TT medical chief at a hospital, a helicopter lands with a rider injured on the first morning of the competition. His condition was unknown.

Dr Gareth Davies
Image:
Dr Gareth Davies

Complex network of medical staff on hand

Dr Gareth Davies said: “We have a system whereby there are trackside medics that will be at the rider’s side within a matter of seconds.

“And then we have three different helicopters to support the racing, three response cars, and then about five or six different ambulances. So there’s quite a complex network of medical staff there.”

How can medics contemplate a sporting event that is so perilous?

Dr Davies said: “In our daily working lives, we see people going to work that are killed, just travelling on a push bike or an accident on the way to work.

“We see people who may be undertaking climbing or other sporting activities. So it’s not alien to see people injured.

“From our point of view. I think we very much see the racing as a huge challenge, a huge sort of celebration of the human spirit, and we’re here to support them.”

Additional reporting by Tyrone Francis, sports producer

UK emergency alert system launched to warn of life-threatening events – with test set for next month | UK News

A UK-wide emergency alert service is being launched today, ahead of a test on Sunday 23 April.

The alerts will be sent directly to mobile phones across the UK to warn people about life-threatening events such as wildfires and severe flooding, the government has said.

They will only come from the government or emergency services and will include details of the area impacted along with instructions about how to respond.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: “We are strengthening our national resilience with a new emergency alerts system, to deal with a wide range of threats – from flooding to wildfires.

“It will revolutionise our ability to warn and inform people who are in immediate danger, and help us keep people safe.

“As we’ve seen in the US and elsewhere, the buzz of a phone can save a life.”

Successfully tested in East Suffolk and Reading, the alerts will only be sent when there is an immediate risk to life, so it may be a period of weeks, months or even years between them.

The government said that the alerts will be secure, free to receive, and will not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.

It is already possible to sign up to have flood warnings sent directly to your mobile from the Environment Agency in England, and its equivalents in Scotland and Wales.

What will the alert look and sound like?

The alert will appear on your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.

You will have to acknowledge the alert before you can use your phone’s other features.

The alert will appear as a notification and may include phone numbers or website links with further information.

You can see what they look and sound like at www.gov.uk/alerts

If you don’t want to receive the alerts you can opt out in your device settings.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham, said: “We’ve seen this type of system in action elsewhere across the world and we look forward to having the facility here in the UK.

“By working together with fire services and partners we want this system to help us to help you be as safe as you can if a crisis does hit.”

Executive director for flood and coastal erosion risk management at the Environment Agency, Caroline Douglass, said: “Being able to communicate warnings in a timely and accurate manner during incidents is really important to help people take action to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbours.”

Queen’s death: Sporting events postponed with Premier League yet to make decision | UK News

A number of scheduled sporting events have been postponed after the death of the Queen, with further decisions regarding the weekend’s fixtures set to be taken on Friday.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II, who was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening.

Sports stars and governing bodies have paid tribute to Her Majesty, and event organisers have been considering the best course of action.

Worldwide tributes pour in for ‘remarkable’ Queen – live updates

Although many have already announced their decisions, the Premier League has still not revealed its plans, with an update expected on Friday morning.

Here are all the sporting events that have been postponed:

Racing

Arguably the Queen’s favourite sport, racing events have also been postponed this weekend.

Races at Southwell and Chelmsford on Thursday evening were abandoned after the news of her death.

The British Horseracing Authority announced that meetings scheduled for Friday – including the third day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster – have been cancelled.

Queen Elizabeth II watching as her horse Free Agent, ridden by Richard Hughes, wins the Chesham Stakes at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. Horses, like dogs, were the Queen's lifelong love and she had an incredible knowledge of breeding and bloodlines. Whether it was racing thoroughbreds or ponies, she showed an unfailing interest. Issue date: Thursday September 8, 2022.
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The Queen watching her horse Free Agent win the Chesham Stakes at Ascot

Football

The English Football League postponed two matches scheduled for Friday – Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.

The Scottish Professional Football League has also postponed its Championship contest between Dundee and Cove Rangers as a mark of respect.

Manchester United’s home clash in the Europa League with Real Sociedad went ahead on Thursday night, with the club saying: “Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford.”

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, both teams wore black armbands and flags at Old Trafford flew at half-mast in a show of respect.

The Northern Ireland Football League announced that Friday night’s matches between Cliftonville and Glentoran and Larne and Dungannon had been postponed.

Manchester United take part in a minutes silence following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II prior to the UEFA Europa League Group E match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday September 8, 2022

Rugby

Northampton announced the postponement of their Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Saracens scheduled for Thursday evening.

The Scottish Rugby Union has delayed all domestic competitive games this weekend as a mark of respect, and the women’s summer Test international between Scotland and Spain on Sunday is also off.

The RFL postponed Friday’s Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams, but the first Super League elimination play-off between Catalans Dragons and Leeds will go ahead as it is taking place in Perpignan, France.

Further announcements about the weekend’s fixtures at all levels were set to be made “as soon as possible”, the governing body said.

Cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that Friday’s play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at the Oval would not take place.

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The life of the Queen

Golf

Play was suspended on the first day of the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth when news of the Queen’s death was announced, and the European Tour has confirmed there will be no play on Friday.

“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” a Tour statement said.

“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed. Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course.”

A screen displays a message that play has been suspended following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, during day one of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water. Picture date: Thursday September 8, 2022.
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Cycling

Friday’s Tour of Britain stage was promptly cancelled and later on Thursday evening the rest of the tour, which was set to finish on the Isle of Wight on Sunday, was called off entirely.

Formula One

The Italian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday, with a minute’s silence planned before practice on Friday and another expected before the race.