Consequences produced by the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the postponement of the inaugural Isle of Wight based Diamond Races till 2022.
Prior to today’s news, the Diamond Races which is set to be England’s newest road race, had attracted praise last year from the likes of 2009 Senior TT winner Steve Plater and 2013 Lightweight TT victor James Hillier.
Pending all going to plan, next year will see a host of the world’s best road racers battling it out for success around the 12.4 miles long Diamond circuit, which from viewing on-board videos reminds me of a mixture of the North West 200, Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 circuits.
Photo via Diamond Races official website
Organising wise, there’s a great team behind the event including Clerk of The Course as none other than TT Mountain Course chief Gary Thompson MBE, BEM.
Triple British Touring Car Champion Matt Neal acting as a race advisor, ex racer, former works Honda team manager Neil Tuxworth taking on the Rider/Team Liaison & Recruitment role and 2009 Senior TT winner Steve Plater (Rider Recruiting/Safety Advisor).
Whilst no racing for 2021 is a set-back, there’s no doubt that there is a great product in the Diamond Races which hopefully will play a major role increasing pure road racing’s popularity across England and worldwide.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou