Peter Hickman’s day didn’t go as planned at the Isle of Man TT today as he was forced to retire from the Superstock race due to a puncture.
Following Hickman’s fourth place, and 132mph+ lap, in the Superbike race confidence was high within the team – especially given the fact that they had spend most of their practice week on the Superstock spec machine.
Hickman started from fifth place and he held that position to the opening checkpoint at Glen Helen. Hickman continued to push his Kawasaki to the limit and had moved up to fourth by Ballaugh Bridge and was looking good for a podium finish.
Disaster would strike moments later though as a slow puncture hampered his pace. He would continue to slow around the Mountain Course and was eventually forced to retire at the Grandstand at the end of the second lap.
A disappointed Hickman said: “Its been one of those days! In all three classes I’ve ridden in we’ve had problems which halted our session. I got a really good start to the Superstock race and was feeling real comfy on the machine but unfortunately we weren’t able to build on Saturday’s result with the puncture ruling us out.
“It’s disappointing but I know what we can do and know we’ll bounce back in the Senior Friday.”
As mentioned, Hickman took his and the team’s highest-ever TT finish in the Superbike race on Saturday. The MCE British Superbike rider also became only the seventh rider to join the 132mph club.
GBMoto Racing’s team principal, Mark Smith-Halvorsen concluded: “It’s a bitterly disappointing outcome in a race that could well have seen Peter and GBmoto claim their first TT podium. After Saturday’s performance we were confident we could replicate that form today, but despite Pete’s and the team’s incredibly hard work a spot of bad luck has thwarted us.”
