Diego Mola

Seven Brilliant Roadraces In The UK

This photo gallery explores other roadraces in the UK besides the Isle of Man TT

January 7, 2019

Roadracing on public streets and through villages isn't limited to the Isle of Man. While the TT gets all the glory—and the notoriety—a surprising number of races test the mettle of riders across Ireland and the roof of Britain. Collectively known as Northern Roadracing, every race has the thrills of its more famous cousin. Some, like the North West 200, feature mind-boggling group starts. Others flit along the coast or through public parks. Each takes place with frightening proximity to the stone walls, hedgerows, and wildlife that make the Isle of Man so thrilling.

Acheson’s Leap at the Armoy Road Races. The sweeping bends and jumps are as thrilling for the riders as they are for spectators. Pictured are Adam McClean, Davey Todd, and Paul Jordan, three up-and-coming stars of the future, leading the way in the 600cc Supersport race.Diego Mola

Irish roadracing at the Tandragee 100 isn’t about the glamour. Paddocks adjoin fields, and with inclement weather a common thing, cling film is used to keep the tires clean when bikes are pushed to the circuit. Once on the grid, regular tire warmers are fitted, just like track racing bikes.Diego Mola

James Cowton skirts the cemetery walls at Church Bends during the post-TT Billown races. Michael Dunlop, son of five-time TT winner Robert, holds the outright lap record here after wrestling a Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike around at an average of 115.2 mph.Diego Mola

Classic bikes are a large part of the Irish roadracing scene, with competitive championships across 250-, 350-, 500-, and 1,000cc classes.Diego Mola

William Dunlop, elder brother of fellow racer Michael and son of Robert, brushes the garden hedge of Mackney Corner at the Cookstown 100.Diego Mola

Success in the sport has defined the Dunlop family, as has tragedy. In July, William lost his life in a practice session for the 2018 Skerries 100 Road Races.Diego Mola