The 2021 Isle of Man TT races will be cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing UK restrictions in place
The news was confirmed on Monday afternoon and comes as something of a surprise, given that many had expected the races to be not cancelled but moved to the late August date traditionally used by the Classic TT and the Manx Grand Prix on the Snaefell circuit.
But in a statement, Minster for Enterprise Laurence Skelly MHK said that, having considered various options, organisers believed they were left with none but the decision to cancel completely.
“We do not underestimate the disappointment that this decision will cause to many people. However, we are making an early and logical decision to provide certainty and clarity to race fans and everyone else involved in our event,” said Skelly.
“The TT relies on thousands of volunteers and officials across a wide range of organisations and we could not move responsibly towards operating to that date and commit to welcoming tens of thousands of people to the Island in June, despite the progress towards a vaccination programme globally and on the Island.
“We evaluated all possible options including moving the TT to a date later in the year but there are complexities and risks, including scaling up of certain infrastructure and critical delivery elements of the TT, as well as existing resident and visitor travel in late August, which would cause further disruption to thousands of people.
“We remain hopeful that the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix can take place later in the year and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our Island again.”
The news comes as a bitter blow and marks the second year in succession that COVID-19 has seen the famous race cancelled.
In its 114-year history, the TT has only been stopped by the foot and mouth pandemic and by two world wars.
The impact of this latest cancellation will be felt hardest by many of the competitors who rely on it as their single payday of the roadracing season.
“I’ve been through it before in 2001 with foot and mouth disease, but I had time on my side then and I don’t really now,” 23-time TT winner John McGuinness told The Race when this year’s race was cancelled back in March.
“I went through a fence at the North West 200 through no fault of my own, I struggled through 2018 with injuries, and 2019 was disastrous and I got my pants pulled down by Norton and they still owe me money.
“All my money is gone now, and I know that sounds really selfish but I have to look after myself.
“There are lots of tradesmen in road racing; I’m a builder, James Hillier is an electrician, there are a few joiners and plasterers.
“Maybe we all need to get back on the tools and start up together. Road Racing Builders – your structure up in 135 hours or less!”
