By BBC Sport's Richard Petrie

The 2003 motorcycling season brought many highs and lows on the roads and tracks of Ireland, the Isle of Man and Great Britain.

Adrian Archibald won two events at the Isle of Man TT

Here is a round-up of the success stories, disappointments and tragedies from this year's tarmac season.

HIGHS

The renaissance of the Ulster Grand Prix continued this year with competitive racing, fantastic weather and huge crowds combining to make it the best meeting of the summer.

New riders were attracted to the event in 2003 and with the Dundrod 150 being moved to August to form a week of bike action, the future looks bright for the event.

After a disappointing season in 2002, Adrian Archibald made his mark by teaming up successfully with the TAS Suzuki team to win the Formula One and Senior TTs.

The Ballymoney man also enjoyed victories at the North West 200, Dundrod 150 and the Ulster Grand Prix.

The return to prominence of the Triumph factory was highlighted by Bruce Anstey's popular win in the Junior TT.

The British factory had mixed fortunes on the short circuits but the Manx success was just the fillip the Valmoto team were looking for as they continue to develop the machine.

Ryan Farquhar increased his profile in 2004 with a brace of wins at the North West 200 and impressive performances at the TT and the Ulster Grand Prix.

He also notched up a series of wins at the national road races in Ireland and the Southern 100.

David Jefferies' death at the Isle of Man TT rocked the sport

The inaugural Irish Superbike Championship was a resounding success with Hilton Hincks being crowned champion despite a strong challenge from Marty Nutt.

Hincks also won the 600cc and Open Championship series despite not competing in any of the rounds held on public roads.

Richard Britton produced a number of impressive displays on the roads without the financial support enjoyed by other Irish riders.

The Enniskillen man ended the season on a high with a batch of wins and could have finished third in the Formula One TT but for mechanical problems.

Martin Finnegan emerged as a force to be reckoned with and Darran Lindsay recovered from injury to secure a win at the Ulster Grand Prix.

The Laverty family showed their growing potential on the circuits of the United Kingdom and Europe with Michael, John and Eugene all performing well.

Jonathan Rea is also a tip for the top after taking full advantage of his first season as a 'Red Bull Rookie' in the British 125cc class.

His development should continue in 2004 as he rides in the 600cc British Championship, along with AdrianCoates who rides for TAS.

The emergence of Kiwis Shaun Harris and Bruce Anstey has given a much needed boost to the road race scene.

LOWS

The tragic death of David Jefferies in practice for the Isle of Man TT left a huge cloud over this year's event.

The multiple North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and TT winner was the fastest man ever round the Isle of Man Mountain Circuit and his death is still being acutely felt in the sport.

Steve Hislop also lost his life in a helicopter accident on the Scottish Borders in July, just months after winning the British Superbike Championship.

The Scot was a three-times British champion and 11-times TT winner and is sadly missed by his many fans in Northern Ireland.

Jeremy McWilliams endured a season of frustration as his four-stroke Proton-KR machine suffered from a lack of development.

The Glengormley rider was forced to switch between his new bike and the two-stroke Proton but results at the end of the season offered some encouragement after a disappointing year.