The difference in starting procedures at the TT and the MGP are a bit of an anomoly really, although bear in mind that until this year the two events were being run by different organisations. Perhaps things will change again soon with the MMCC running both.

The individual starts at the TT were introduced in 1990 as a safety measure, as it was felt that with the ever-increasing speeds it would be safer for the bikes to go down Bray Hill on the first lap in single file rather than two abreast. Yet in practice the bikes still go off in pairs ! I'd be interested to hear the views of riders about this.

Big D, you refer to competitors being passed by the leaders only being able to complete 3 laps, but this is actually not the case. I think the TT Course is probably the only circuit where all competitors are allowed to complete the full race distance even if they have been passed by the leaders.

Hope to see you at the TT this year - I'll look for you in your usual place outside Bushy's Tent !