Coroner criticises TT race safety

Rider Marc Ramsbotham died at the scene of the crash

The Isle of Man coroner has criticised safety measures at last year's TT races following the deaths of a rider and two spectators.

Rider Marc Ramsbotham, 34, of Wymondham, Norfolk, died in a crash on the final day of the races in June.

Spectators Dean Jacob, 33, of Kidderminster, and Gregory Kenzig, 52, from Australia, were also killed.

Coroner Michael Moyle recorded verdicts of misadventure and noted "considerable failings" in the race organisation.

The inquest, held in Douglas, concluded last week but the verdict was given on Thursday.

In his summing up Mr Moyle referred to a catalogue of disasters involving marshals, the Manx Motorcycle Club and the Department of Transport.

The deaths overshadowed the centenary festival

He said the positions of some of the key people involved were now untenable, and that while he had no power to ban or exclude them, they should have no significant participation in future motorcycling events in the Isle of Man.

Witnesses said Mr Ramsbotham's bike struck the bank at the 26th milestone before hitting Mr Jacob and Mr Kenzig.

Mr Ramsbotham and Mr Jacob died at the scene and Mr Kenzig was taken to Noble's Hospital but died a short time later.

Hilary Beryl Musson, 60, from Ballaugh, Isle of Man and Janice Ann Phillips, 50, from Ramsey, Isle of Man, were also injured in the incident.

Warning signs

The spectators had been standing in a prohibited area but there were no warning signs.

Mr Moyle said had they been enforced, Mr Jacob and Mr Kenzig may still be alive.

Mr Ramsbotham was married and worked as an HGV driver and plant fitter.

It was the first time he had raced at the event.

The deaths overshadowed the centenary festival, which had been brought to a close by John McGuinness with victory in the Senior race - his 13th TT victory.

More than 200 people have been killed on the course since the first tourist trophy race in 1907.

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