A mid Wales rider has died after crashing in the Isle of Man TT Races qualifying session at the age of 29.

Mark Purslow, who was 29, was on his third lap of the session at Ballagarey, between the third and fourth-mile markers of the circuit, when the incident occurred on Wednesday.

The Isle of Man TT Races confirmed the classic racer's death in a statement, adding that the race would continue “with Mark in mind”.

Before yesterday's seesion the rider's Twitter account had posted to say the evening sessions were running later than scheduled.

The account posted: "So the qualifying schedule has changed tonight as the sidecars are out first so we are now starting at 8:15 to 8:50 so hopefully get another 2 laps in" and added a fingers crossed emoji.

 

“2022 was Mark’s second appearance at the Isle of Man TT Races, having previously contested the Supersport and Lightweight races in 2017,” the statement from organisers said.

“He had graduated from the Manx Grand Prix where he had won the 2015 Lightweight Race on his debut, and he had also competed at the Classic TT securing a best finish of 14th in the 2019 Junior Classic TT.

“Mark grew up around racing and was inspired by his father’s love of the sport. He typified the spirit of the privateer TT racer, preparing his own machinery with the support of friends and family.

“Road racing was his passion – competing in Northern Ireland and Europe in the International Road Racing Championship – but becoming a TT racer was a life’s ambition that represented the ultimate personal challenge.”

Earlier in the qualifying session, the rider, from Llanon, near Aberaeron in Ceredigion, had set his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course at 120.86mph, the race organiser said.

His first lap was in excess of 120mph, it added, describing Purslow as an “experienced classic racer”.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family, loved ones, and friends,” the statement concluded.

TT fans have been posting tributes and condolences to social media following the announcement of the rider's death. 

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