The Isle of Man TT has been marred by tragedy following the death of rider Mark Purslow following an accident in qualifying.
The 29-year-old Welshman died from his injuries after a third-lap crash between the third and fourth-mile markers of the circuit at Ballagarey on Wednesday.
Race organisers said the TT event would continue “always with Mark in mind”.
Their full statement read: “2022 was Mark’s second appearance at the Isle of Man TT Races, having previously contested the Supersport and Lightweight races in 2017.
“He had graduated from the Manx Grand Prix where he had won the 2015 Lightweight Race on his debut, and he had also competed at the Classic TT securing a best finish of 14th in the 2019 Junior Classic TT.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mark Purslow following an incident in this evening’s qualifying session.
— Isle of Man TT Races (@ttracesofficial) June 1, 2022
All our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/O4ZFg16WOo
“Mark grew up around racing and was inspired by his father’s love of the sport. He typified the spirit of the privateer TT racer, preparing his own machinery with the support of friends and family.
“Road racing was his passion - competing in Northern Ireland and Europe in the International Road Racing Championship - but becoming a TT racer was a life’s ambition that represented the ultimate personal challenge.”
