Peter Hickman explains key bike decision before Senior TT glory at Isle of Man TT
His crucial decision was justified and Hickman rompedꦛ to victory in the most prestigious race of the event.
He had previously broken🌌 the outright𒉰 TT lap record on his Superstock machine and was giving serious consideration to using that in the Senior TT before eventually plumping for the Superbike, which he had called a “pig” as he struggled on it all week.
“The bike wasn't 😼right until this morning's warm-up lap,” he said.
“My plan was to get my head down andღ try and break the others. It seemed to work and I knew I had a bit more held𝓰 back if needed.
“I can't thank all my team and sponsors for the☂ir support. They've worked so hard to get the bikes right.
“Four race wins out o𝓰f eight, three second places and a fourth makes for onꦰe hell of a TT.”
Hickman set a new Sen♔ior TT lap record of 135.507mph𝄹 (16 minutes 42.366 seconds).
Hickman and Michael D🍌unlop won four races each this year, a stunning testament to their rivalry.
Hickman🌺 has 13 career wins at the TT, but Dunlop has 25 - just one short of the all-time record held ꩵby his uncle Joey.
“I struggled fromಞ lap one desp🐎ite the bike not missing a beat,” Dunlop said about his attempt which fell short of equalling the record in the Senior TT.
“I got caught ℱin a rut and it took me to the fifth and sওixth lap to really get going.
“We can't complain though - we've won four ra🐎ces this week and 𓆉I've become the second most successful rider at the TT.”
Third-placed Dean Harrison said: “I ♔got my head down from thဣe start. It's nice to finish second and not third for once!
“My bike has not missed a beat all week.”
James was a sports journalist a🌳t Sky Spo꧑rts for a decade covering everything from American sports, to football, to F1.
