 Hutchinson lifts the trophy after Saturday's Superbike win |
Yorkshire rider Ian Hutchinson clinched victory in the opening race at this year's Isle of Man TT as he won Saturday's Superbike event. The Padgett's Honda rider finished 33 seconds ahead of Michael Dunlop after the six laps with Cameron Donald a further 10 seconds back in third. Guy Martin, who was docked 30 seconds for a pit-lane infringement, was fourth with Adrian Archibald in fifth. Conor Cummins led by 20 seconds after four laps but retired on the next lap. Isle of Man rider Cummins took the lead on the first lap after John McGuinness was forced out by mechanical trouble at Sulby. Cummins led Hutchinson by eight seconds after the first lap, setting a new lap record for this race at 131.51mph. McAdoo Kawasaki rider Cummins was 14 seconds ahead after lap two and 20 seconds in front after laps three and four, before pulling up with mechanical failure at Laurel Bank on lap five.  | I just set a steady pace when I knew that I was in front |
Hutchinson and Dunlop both lapped at over 130mph for the first time in race conditions, with Dunlop becoming the fastest-ever Irish rider around the Mountain Course (130.213). Keith Amor, Ian Lougher, Michael Rutter, Dan Stewart, Ryan Farquhar, Bruce Anstey and Daniel Kneen completed the top 12 with Gary Johnson retiring. Hutchinson's win was his fourth TT triumph and he was thrilled with his performance. "I knew I could do it, I really tried early on and then just set a steady pace when I knew that I was in front," said the race winner. "All credit must go to Clive Padgett who built me a brilliant bike and to the crowds who were waving at me all the way round on that last lap." The race was delayed for three and a half hours because of mist around the grandstand area.
Saturday's Superbike Race Result
1 Ian Hutchinson
2 Michael Dunlop
3 Cameron Donald
4 Guy Martin
5 Adrian Archibald
6 Keith Amor
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