Isle of Man TT champ in race against time to fix bike to enter today’s race
A cras𝓡h on Friday caused damage to the bike which must be fi𒁏xed quickly
Today [Saturday] is the first day of racing at the 2024 Is🦹le of Man TT but the drama has already started.
A reigning TT champion faces a challenge to even enter the race after a crash on Fr🅰iday resulted in minor injuries, but more significantly some damage to the machine.
Ben Birchall is the reigning Sidecar champ🍒ion from 2023, and is partnered with new passenger Kevin Rousseau this🌌 year.
The duo crashed at Mountain Box duriꦅng Qualifying on Friday.
Afteജr medical treatment they are described ꦜas fine, albeit with bumps and bruises.
The big problem they face🎐 is the damage to the Honda LCR꧒.
They must fix any lingering problems before 4pm Saturday when the first🍬 Sidecar r♉ace begins.
A social media post from Birchall read: “[Friday🍎] afternoon, we had an accident at the Mountain Box due a mechanical failure.
“The boys are ok, ඣjust a little bruised. Thanks🅷 to Arai Helmet Europe and RST for keeping us safe.
“Also big thanks to the marshals and medical pers൲onnel on the course, the people from Noble’s Hospital and physio in the paddock.
“We'l♔l try to fix the bike for [Saturd🐭ay] - fingers crossed."
James was a sports journalist at Sky S🍃ports for a decade covering everything from American sports, to football, to F1.
