Ceredigion rider Mark Purslow, 29, killed in Isle of Man TT Races crash

Welsh rider Mark Purslow has died after crashing in the Isle of Man TT Races qualifying session at the age of 29.

The classic racer from Llanon, Ceredigion 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 Purslow’s death in a statement, adding that the race would continue “with Mark in mind”.

“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 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 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.