Franck Petricola has sadly passed away following an accident in qualifying - News

Franck was due to make his debut at the IOM TT after recovering from a very severe accident last year at the North West 200 race where he suffered multiple fractures and head injury. He eventually made a full recovery and was looking forward to racing again this year and competed in the NW 200 last month.

Petricola died at the Sulby Crossroads section of the race and he now is the 141st fatality recorded since the TT begun in 1907. An investigation is under way and more details are expected to emerge on the cause of the accident and more details are expected in the near future.

Gary Thompson, the clerk of the course said "Franck showed incredible character to battle back from the serious injuries he suffered at the North West 200 last year when many a lesser man would have given up the challenge – but it showed his determination to compete on the mountain course. The road racing community has lost a remarkable man and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends".

Franck has said many times he knew the risks of road racing and risk of injury is higher than many other motorcycle racing events. He said this about his crash last year.

"I don’t remember why I crashed but I accept it. I am a big boy. When you ride in a road race you know it is possible to have a hard crash like this. It is not a problem."

It’s a terrible loss for the sport and an unimaginably tough time for his family and our sincerest condolences to his family.