Peter Hickman explains key bike decision before Senior TT glory at Isle of Man TT
His crucial decision was justified an🌠d♚ Hickman romped to victory in the most prestigious race of the event.
He had previously broken the outright TT lap record on his Superstock machine and was giving serious consideration to using that in the♍ Senior TT before eventually plumping for the Superbike, which he had called a “pig” as he struggled on it all week.
“The bike wasn't right until this morning's warꦗm-u𒀰p lap,” he said.
“My plan was to get my head down and try and break the others♛. It seemed to work and I knew I had a bit more held back if needed.
“I can't thank all my team and sponsors for their support. They've worked so hಌard to get the bikes right.
“Four race wins out of eight, three second placꩲes and a fourth makes for one hell of a TT.🃏”
Hickman set a ꩵnew Senior TT lap record of 135.507mph (16 minutes 42.366 seconds).
Hickman and Michael Dunlop won four races each this year, a🌌 stunning testament to their rivalry.
Hickman has 13 career wins✅ at the TT, but Dunlop has 25 - just one short of the all-time record held by his uncle Joey.
“I struggled ✃from lap one despite the bike not missing a beat,” Dunlop said about his attempt which fell short of equalling the record in the Senior 💃TT.
“I got caught in a rut and it took me to the f𝐆ifth and sixth lap to really get going.
“We can't complain though 🦋- we've won four races this week and I've become the second most successful rider at the TT.”
Third-placed Dean Harrison said: “I got my head down from the start. It's nicﷺe to finish second and not third for once!
“My bike has not missed a beat all week.”
J𓆏ames was a sports joꦐurnalist at Sky Sports for a decade covering everything from American sports, to football, to F1.
