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Gareth Fullerton

Michael Dunlop issues statement after withdrawing from Armoy Road Races

Michael Dunlop has withdrawn from the Armoy Road Races just hours before it was due to get under way.

The road racing star announced on Friday morning that he would not be competing at his home race.

Practice and opening racing gets under way on Friday with the main race card scheduled for Saturday.

Read more: Emotional Dunlop celebrates 21st TT win after Supersport masterclass

Dunlop - a 21-time Isle of Man TT winner - pulled out of the event after claiming he was not being treated on an "equal and fair basis" to other teams on the grid.

The 33-year-old did not elaborate on his decision, but did release a brief statement on Friday morning on his social media.

The statement read: “All of the MD Racing machines were prepped and ready to take part in Armoy road races this weekend when the team was informed that it was not being treated on an equal and fair basis with some of the other teams taking part in the event.

"As a result, we have decided to withdraw from the meeting. This decision has been taken reluctantly after so many years of enjoyable and successful racing at Armoy, my home race, we can’t explain our level of disappointment with the situation with the club after 10 plus years of commitment to the event."

Dunlop's withdrawal is a major blow for the organisers ahead of this weekend's event. He has won the ‘Race of Legends’ contest a record nine times.

Included in this weekend's line-up is Davey Todd who will compete for the Milenco by Padgett's team in the Superbike and Supersport races.

Other riders taking part include Derek Sheils, Derek McGee, Paul Jordan and Adam McLean.

Armoy Road Races have been contacted for comment.

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