Thank you eman1948, I am humbled by your kind remarks. There are those within the organisation who do not value my remarks, and as a result, I decided to retire from this incredible sport.
However, with regards the backmarkers, this is a subject close to my heart, as it relates to the ridiculous starting order in current use, apparently to improve safety. In my opinion, it does not improve safety, and causes spectators utter confusion, and the need to follow the races on an App, when they should be watching the bikes go past........well if you're not able to watch the bikes 'cos you're looking at your bleedin' iphone, what's the point of being there? AND it must be a safety issue if a bike is coming towards you out of control and you ain't watching!
Anyway, with that off my chest, I give total credit to everyone at the front of the field, particularly Connor, who had a fantastic TT.
I was travelling up to Aviemore for the Highland Two Day Classic Trial when the Senior was on, so I only got a rough idea of what really happened. The speeds of the leading two was incredible. Their machinery must have been set up to perfection, and it seems that Michael's was not.
The remarks about doing the short circuits is spot on. The year I won, I was riding British Championship events, plus Scarborough and the North West, and it makes a big difference. I agree with others on this, Michael would have the pace on a sorted bike, and with a lot more miles under his belt. He DOES seem to have issues with teams, which is very interesting. Mind you,I don't think many teams today would have coped with Joey!!
The ACU received many complaints about the speed of the leading riders IN 1924, when Jimmy Simpson was the first man to lap the course at 60mph. (Incidentally, that was in the Junior TT. How often has the Junior race held the outright record?) The thinking at the time was that it courted bad publicity with the general public. It was stated that Simpson was riding in a reckless fashion, and beyond the safe limits. Some things never change, but this year has really brought in a changing of the guard. Who would have thought that Michael would finish a distant 4th in the Senior
I won't watch another TT, Classic TT, or Manx live, whilst the present starting order is used, but nevertheless, the event is a superb spectacle, and I salute all the riders, in particular those who break through new barriers. Long may it continue.