I’ve returned from the Southern 100 Road Races and now had time to reflect upon what was a very difficult week.
Firstly I’d like offer my condolences to the family and friends of those riders who sadly fell; and secondly I’d like to wish a speedy and full recovery to all those who suffered injuries.
I would also like to pay tribute to the Southern 100 MCRC for their dedication to the sport and their courage in the face of terrible events. It is often said that when the going gets tough then the tough get going. Never more true than last week. The Southern 100 Committee behaved with great respect and dignity towards those that fell during the week and their example was followed by the impeccably observed silent tribute in Castletown Square on Thursday night. I fully support the decisions that they took both in commemorating David, Mark and Paul and to continue racing.
The sport survives because of the people that take a stake in it. Organisers, sponsors, marshals, riders, fans etc. There are however many unsung heroes who work tirelessly to provide support, financial and professional, for the greater good of the sport itself. Without those people our sport would never continue. There is a cast list of literally hundreds who do all that they can to ensure that the riders have the best support possible. On behalf of road racing I thank you all. The work never ceases though and like everything else in this world there is a mighty bill to be paid. Money is always tight and the Southern 100 club, like many other clubs, do a fantastic job in hosting these fine road races. But to continuously improve rider safety and welfare there can never be enough to go around. Therefore, might I ask everyone that reads this blog that whenever you have the opportunity to lend a hand, donate a few coins, buy a sticker, T shirt or even a calendar 😉 then please do so. Your sport needs you.
Let’s celebrate this unique and wonderful game that we play and enjoy a few of my pics from last week’s action.
Guy Martin leads Michael Dunlop to win the Solo Championship
Russ Mountford
Jamie Hamilton
Guy Martin
Michael Dunlop
Dean Harrison
William Dunlop
Michael Dunlop
Jamie Hamilton
Iavn Lintin leading Dean Harrison
Jamie Hamilton leads into Ballakaighan
Colin Stephenson
Tim Poole
Michael Dunlop
Tim Poole
Russ Mountford
Billy Cummins
Chris Mitchell
Martin, Dunlop and Harrison
Dan Kneen
Jamie Hamilton, Michael Pearson, Ian Lougher and Dan Kneen
Dunlop and fan
Russ Mountford
Lintin has his nose chopped off by Harrison
Dan Kneen
Paul Shoesmith
Jamie Coward
Marc Coggon
Mark Goodings
Jamie Hamilton
Dennis Booth
Guy Martin
Dean Harrison
Michael Pearson
Alan Warden & Ernesto Ascierto
Greg Lambert & Kenny Cole
Tim Reeves & Dan Sayle
Alan Warden & Ernesto Ascierto
Nigel Smith & Chris McGhan
Gordon Shand & Phil Hyde
Wayne Lockey & Luke Capewell
Gary Bryan & Jamie Wynn
Reeves & Sayle @ Stadium Corner
Doug Chandler & Dean Kilkenny fending off Debbie Baron & Stephen Cowin
Ivan Lintin
Guy Martin keeping Dean Harrison behind
Jamie Hamilton, Michael Pearson, Ian Lougher & Dan Kneen
Martin and Dunlop
William Dunlop
Jamie Coward
Russ Mountford
Well said. It has been a very difficult week, with some friends doing fantastically well and others paying the ultimate price. The Southern100 committee have had some very hard knocks, including losing one of their number, but they put others before themselves and soldiered on. Now they are working to clear away all the bales etc, and store everything for another year. When all the riders and spectators have gone home, their work continues. Thank you to them all.
Great pics ! Great meeting ! shame about the losses tho
Yes a very dark week for the club thanks to all for your support