Isle of Man TT results: Michael Dunlop suffers visor calamity as he loses out in dramatic Superbike race

Michael Dunlop was denied a 27th Isle of Man TT victory after suffering a calamitous visor issue during Sunday's RST Superbike race. The Ballymoney rider held a 25-second lead at the end of the fourth lap when the riders came in for their second and final pit-stop.

Dunlop appeared to have some issues with a visor pod on the side of his helmet, and moments after restarting he had to pull over and fix the problem himself. It cost the 35-year-old crucial time, and by the time he got back up and running he had been demoted to fourth and some 30 seconds off the lead.

The race was eventually won by Peter Hickman who benefitted from the drama around him, with the FHO Racing man finishing 5.84 seconds ahead of Davey Todd, with Dean Harrison completing the podium.

Read more: Isle of Man TT RECAP as Michael Dunlop is denied 27th win after visor calamity

Read more: Watch: Brilliant old TT footage as Michael Dunlop equals uncle Joey's record

All eyes were on Dunlop who was attempting to win a record 27th TT on Sunday. He equalled his legendary uncle Joey's record of 26 on Saturday when he surged to victory in the opening Supersport race.

The Ballymoney man was well on the pace, breaking the Superbike record on the Mountain Course and appearing in complete command as he reached the two-thirds stage of the race.

But shortly after taking off on his fifth lap, the Ballymoney rider slowed down before stopping at the side of the road. Dunlop then removed his helmet and gloves to fix what commentators believe was a visor pod problem.

Former rider Jamie Whitham said on the Isle of Man TT's official race coverage: "I would like to hear from Michael. He pretty much had it in the bag, but it sometimes takes more than that.

"Things happen in the pits. Most of these riders have lost races through mechanical failure or through a mistake. And it might not have been a mistake, it might have just been an issue on the helmet.

"You need the luck around here. But for Michael Dunlop to stop, he would have had to take his gloves off to fix the issue. And for him to do all that and get on his bike and complete the race is amazing."

Two-time TT winner and former rider Steve Plater added: "Really, Michael had it in his hands. But we have said this time and time before, this is the TT. He was smashing in the times and then this happens."

Meanwhile, race winner Hickman accepted he had benefited from some good fortune to claim his 14th TT win, and go level with legendary Mike Hailwood.

He said: "I just wasn't fast enough the first couple of laps and I didn't seem to have the pace. I don't think there was an issue, it was just the feeling I got from the bike.

"To be fair we have been gifted it a little bit. But it is an endurance race, and I have lost races before because of mechanical problems. It is swings and roundabouts.

"To finish first, first you have to finish. And I am thankful to my team who have worked so hard. To equal someone like Mike Hailwood is incredible."

Hickman also showed his class with some kind words to Dunlop after the Northern Ireland rider equalled Joey Dunlop's longstanding record on Saturday.

"I wasn't on the podium yesterday because I was quite rubbish, but to see Michael equal Joey's 26 is quite unbelievable. I haven't seen him yet to congratulate him," 'Hickey' said.

"What an amazing achievement. Absolutely mega."

Runner-up Todd also endured some pit stop agony after the fourth lap when his Milwaukee BMW machine wouldn't restart.

He said: "I came in for the second pit-stop and the bike wouldn't start again. Not a clue why, it's never done that before. We couldn't get it going again. Then we came out of the pit lane and there was Michael stopped. We knew something had gone wrong.

"Weird when the races are won and lost through pit-stops,. but thanks to my team. I am already looking forward to the next one."

He added: "It is awesome to get my first Superbike podium. We ended up where we probably should have done. Michael was riding so well and I was riding my ass off and trying my best."

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