Isle of Man TT 2020 cancelled as motorsport continues to be affected by coronavirus crisis

Two-week festival is the latest motorsports event to fall by the wayside as the Isle of Man braces for the economic impact of cancelling the TT

The Isle of Man TT has been cancelled for the first time since 2001 following the coronavirus crisis in what is the latest cancellation to hit motorsport.

The annual road racing motorcycle festival was due to take place on the Isle of Man from 30 May until 13 June, but the government of the British Crown Dependency said on Monday night that the decision had been taken to call off this year’s races.

"The decision to cancel has not been taken lightly and all options including postponement and delaying the decision have been considered in detail," said Minister for Enterprise Laurence Skelly in a statement.

"Representatives from the Isle of Man Government will now discuss the implications with all relevant businesses, stakeholders and individuals affected by this cancellation, which it recognises will be significant.

"The decision also aims to provide reassurance for our residents and healthcare professionals that the health and well-being of the Isle of Man’s residents is the single biggest priority and focus of this Government."

Around 45,000 fans travel to the Isle of Man for the two-week festival, which sees riders compete at speeds close to 200mph across a series of events on the closed-off public roads around the island. The 37.73-mile mountain course is among the most dangerous circuits in the world, though the adrenaline rush that the event provides keeps thousands gripped every year.

The TT is also crucial in injecting the Isle of Man’s economy with financial support, with the government looking at ways to support local businesses who depend on the fortnight as their main source of income each year.

It is the first time since the TT was abandoned in 2001 due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, though it is hoped that both the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix in August can still go ahead.

Monday also saw Northern Ireland’s main road racing meet cancelled with the North West 200 called off due to coronavirus, while the Cookstown 100 has been postponed as a “precautionary measure”.

The cancellations follow similar moves across the world, with the first four MotoGP races of the season called off and rescheduled for later in the year, while Formula One have also cancelled or postponed their first four rounds of the season, with talks underway to move two more.