British rider Mark Purslow dies aged 29 after Isle of Man TT qualifying accident

The British motorcycle rider Mark Purslow has died in an accident during qualifying for the Isle of Man TT races.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family, loved ones, and friends,” race organisers said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “The TT Races will continue – but always with Mark in mind.”

Purslow, from Llanon in Ceredigion, Wales, was on his third lap of the fourth qualifying session when the accident occurred at Ballagarey. He had earlier lapped the Mountain Course at an average speed of 120.86mph.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mark Purslow following an incident in this evening’s qualifying session.All our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/O4ZFg16WOo

The 29-year-old was racing in his second TT, having previously contested the Supersport and Lightweight races in 2017. Purslow won the 2015 Manx GP lightweight race on his debut, and had also competed at the Classic TT.

Local rider Dave Moffitt was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool on Tuesday after another crash, and is reportedly in a serious but stable condition. Moffitt was taking part in supertwin class qualifying when he came off his bike at Laurel Bank.

The Isle of Man TT races are being held again this year after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the longest break for the event since World War Two.

The races around the island off the northwest coast of England have been run since 1907 and rank among the most dangerous in motorsport, with more than 250 fatalities in various events to date.