There will be no racing this weekend at the 2009 Isle of Man TT, officials have confirmed

After a scintillating practice week, Saturday was scheduled to see the first races of the festival – the Dainese Superbike TT and the first Sure Sidecar race.

However, strong winds and heavy rain led to an announcement at 7.30am on Saturday that the day’s racing had been postponed. There were hopes the programme could be switched to Sunday, but with no improvement in the conditions expected, it was confirmed shortly before 10am that the racing would not be going ahead.

The poor weather had already seen the eagerly anticipated visit to the TT by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi postponed until Monday.

The Dainese Superbike and Sure Sidecar races will now take place on Monday – weather allowing - with the Superbike race starting at 11am. The Monday race programme, the Royal London 360 Superstock and first Relentless Supersport races, is expected to be re-scheduled for Tuesday.