Motorcycling: TT claims its 163rd fatality

ROB MITCHELL has become the 163rd rider to die in the annual Isle of Man TT races. The 33-year-old Aberdeen rider crashed last Thursday during practice for the races, suffering serious head injuries.

Mitchell, a holiday park proprietor, was married with one son, and was competing in the event for only the second year.

He crashed his Yamaha at high speed on a left-hand bend, approaching the Gooseneck, and was subsequently treated in Noble's Hospital in Douglas, where he died on Monday night.

Mitchell is the second rider to die in this year's event; the Ulsterman Mark Farmer sustained fatal injuries when his 1000cc Britten crashed at Black Dub also last Thursday.

Two other riders are recovering from injuries sustained in crashes: Robert Dunlop, who has a broken right arm and leg, and the Italian Baldasere Monti, who has head injuries. Dunlop's older brother, Joey, yesterday scored his 16th TT victory, riding a McMenemy Honda in the 125cc class.