Unprecedented weather forces early end to Isle of Man's most prestigious motorcycle race
The TT 2026 has come to an early close, with race organisers announcing the cancellation of all remaining events following a consultation between the Clerk of the Course and the Isle of Man Met Office. The decision brings to an end what officials are describing as an unprecedented run of poor weather conditions in recent TT history, with rain affecting seven of the nine available racing days.
After careful assessment of forecast conditions and available operational windows, organisers determined that it would be unsafe to continue racing on the 37.73-mile Mountain Course. The cancellation means that the Sportbike TT Race 2 will not take place, disappointing thousands of fans who travel to the Isle of Man annually to witness this world-famous event.
The Milwaukee Senior TT result has been declared based on lap one positions, confirming Dean Harrison as the 2026 Senior race winner. Peter Hickman took second place with Josh Brookes claiming third, following Friday's incidents that saw three riders injured.
The Isle of Man experienced exceptional atmospheric challenges throughout the event, including persistent low cloud, standing water, and rapidly changing conditions across different sections of the course. These factors severely limited the safe racing windows available to organisers, who remained committed to balancing competitor safety with delivering the spectacle fans expect from the world's oldest motorcycle road race.
Gary Thompson, Clerk of the Course, acknowledged the disappointment: "This has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging TTs in recent years from a weather perspective." He emphasised that the organisation's primary commitment remained the safety of competitors, teams, marshals, and spectators—a principle that ultimately necessitated the difficult decision to cancel remaining races.
While the early cancellation is disappointing for the thousands of international visitors who flock to the Isle of Man for TT fortnight, the Island's tourism sector remains resilient. Visitors can still enjoy the Island's stunning landscapes, renowned hospitality, and vibrant motorcycle heritage attractions during their stay. The TT will return in 2027 with renewed determination to deliver the world-class racing event that has captivated audiences since 1907.
Source: Read full article on ManxRadio