Chris Swallow died at the 2019 Classic TT

A Classic TT rider lost his life after hitting an unprotected wall and railings on the opening lap of last year’s race, an inquest has heard.

Witnesses say 37-year-old New Zealander Chris Swallow was travelling ‘too fast’ for the jump at Ballaugh Bridge, losing control of the bike, before colliding with one of the cottages opposite the Raven pub.

He suffered fatal head and neck injuries and died at the scene.

There was no evidence of mechanical failure, or the presence of drugs or alcohol, and Coroner of Inquests Jayne Hughes recorded a verdict of accidental death at Douglas courthouse.

Mrs Hughes added that protective barriers “may have lessened the severity of the injuries”, and it was noted the Auto-Cycle Union and Department of Infrastructure did install them for the rest of the festival.