Manx TT: Peter Hickman Suffers Crash, Ruling Him Out of 2025 Races

A significant setback has occurred in the Isle of Man TT proceedings as Peter Hickman, a fourteen-time victor, suffered a crash during Friday's second practice session. The incident at Kerrowmoar resulted in chest, back, shoulder, and facial injuries, necessitating his overnight stay at Noble’s Hospital. Despite being described as comfortable and in good spirits by organizers, Hickman's participation in the 2025 TT races is now officially terminated as he embarks on recovery. This absence diminishes the competitive allure of this year's event, particularly given the anticipated rivalry between Hickman, Davey Todd, and Michael Dunlop.
Peter Hickman's fall at Kerrowmoar marked an abrupt end to what could have been a promising season for him. Prior to this, Hickman had expressed excitement over the media-fueled rivalry with fellow racers Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop. This tension escalated during the North West 200 earlier this month, where controversial moments unfolded involving Hickman and Dunlop. The crash itself happened roughly halfway through the 37.73-mile lap, following Ginger Hall, a location where Hickman previously fell last year. Observers noted that Hickman's BMW M1000RR was emitting smoke prior to the crash, possibly indicating mechanical issues that may have contributed to the mishap.
Dean Harrison led the Friday night practice session with Hickman closely following in second place on his superstock machine. The corner where Hickman crashed is a challenging third-gear left-hand turn navigated at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Following the crash, red flags were deployed immediately, halting the session and ensuring the safety of all riders. Riders were subsequently guided back to the paddock in a controlled convoy. Weather conditions further disrupted the schedule, delaying Saturday's final qualifying session due to rain showers affecting the west coast of the island.
Beyond Hickman's accident, another rider, Tom Weeden, also encountered difficulties during the supertwin practice session at Glen Helen. Weeden sustained multiple fractures, including those to his left tibia and fibula, right ankle, T12 vertebrae, and hand and finger. These incidents underscore the inherent risks involved in motorcycle racing and highlight the importance of safety measures within such high-speed events.
This year's TT event will proceed without one of its most prominent figures, leaving a void in the competition dynamics. As Hickman recovers, the focus shifts to other competitors who will aim to fill the gap left by his absence. The atmosphere of the race may be somewhat subdued, yet it remains a testament to the resilience and spirit of all participants who continue to push boundaries despite challenges.