Tragedy on the Isle of Man overshadows McGuinness

The Morecambe man became the first rider to break the magical 130mph average lap mark on his second circuit.

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McGuinness chipped an amazing 54 seconds off the existing race record to finish in one hour 46.44 seconds.

But the achievement was overshadowed by an accident which left three dead, including one rider, and two injured. The crash occurred on the Mountain section of the course.

The rider, who was pronounced dead at the scene, had still not been named last night.

A statement from the event organisers read: "The organisers of the Isle of Man TT Races, the Manx Motor Cycle Club Limited, can confirm that a rider has died from injuries sustained in the Senior race on Friday, June 8, 2007.

"He was involved in an incident at the 26th milestone on the Mountain and was confirmed dead at the scene.

"The incident at the 26th milestone also involved four other people. One person was also confirmed dead at the scene. An additional person was confirmed dead after admission at Nobles hospital. Two further people were also involved in the incident and have sustained injuries.

"The Coroner of Inquest has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident id under way.

"The organisers of the event express their sympathy to the families and friends of those involved."

The 26th Milestone lies close to Guthrie's Memorial, which is next to the A18 road in Lezayre.

The landmark was built in 1939 in memory of former TT racer Jimmie Guthrie, who died while competing in the 1937 German Grand Prix.

The nearest rival to McGuinness, who lapped at an average 130.354mph,was Kirmington's Guy Martin.

Hemoved up to second place on lap one and stayed there for the duration to finish 32secs behind.

Ian Hutchinson, of West Yorkshire, was 48secs further back in third, whileWelshman Ian Lougher completed a 1-2-3-4 for Honda.