Death of Irish racer a sad day for the TT family, says MHK

Yesterday saw the third TT competitor of 2011 killed following a high-speed incident at Gorse Lea.

Yesterday saw the third TT competitor of 2011 killed following a high-speed incident at Gorse Lea.

34-year-old Derek Brien from County Meath in Ireland was revered as a talented road racer who had recorded his best placing last year, coming 13th in the Supersport event.

The darker side of the TT has been stealing a lot of the headlines over the past week, with 3 biking fans also involved in fatal collisions.

MHK Geoff Corkish is a member for Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism.

He said the feedback he's received so far would suggest TT 2011 is proving an overwhelming success.

Speaking specifically about yesterday's incident however he said all death at the TT is tragic, but the sad reality is it's always a risk affiliated with extreme sports. (audio above)