French rider Franck Petricola has lost his life following a crash in this evening’s qualifying session for the Isle of Man TT.
The 32-year-old, from Pont a Mousson, was involved in an incident at the Sulby Crossroads during the first timed session of this year’s event.
Petricola was entering his first-ever TT, after an injury suffered at the 2014 North West 200 forced him to pull out of last year’s event.
He made his return to the North West 200 this year, finishing 25th in the Superstock race and 21st in the Superbike event. The Frenchman was riding for the Ice Valley Racing team at the TT.
The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.
The Checkered Flag would like to offer its deepest sympathies to Petricola’s friends, family, fans and team.
