Disruption to Manx Grand Prix qualifying continues

Rain has led to the cancellation of three qualifying sessions at the 2024 event

Wet and windy weather has led to the cancellation of a third day of the Manx Grand Prix qualifying sessions, following the death of a rider on day one.

Race organisers confirmed that due to deteriorating conditions neither the scheduled evening session or the afternoon contingency would be going ahead.

As a result of the disruption, the start of racing at the 2024 event has been pushed back by a day to Saturday.

Weather warnings have been put in place for severe gales, coastal overtopping and inner harbour flooding.

The opening qualifying session of the meeting was red flagged due to an incident at Kate’s Cottage, which led to the death of Irish competitor Louis O’Regan.

All other sessions have since been scrapped due to the inclement conditions.

Unseasonable

Race organisers said as a result of the “unseasonably bad weather”, all remaining contingency sessions would now be used, meaning additional road closures on both Thursday and Sunday afternoon, as well as Friday evening.

The first race is due to take place on Saturday afternoon, with the programme continuing on Sunday and Monday.

Ronaldsway Met Office has issued a revised yellow weather warning for severe gales in place for overnight on Thursday, with gusts of up to 60mph (97km/h) expected to hit the island.

Forecasters also upgraded a warning for coastal overtopping and inner harbour flooding to amber - for periods either side of high tide at 13:15 BST, and at 01:40 and 14:00 on Thursday.

The warning for overtopping covers northern and central parts of Douglas, Laxey, Ramsey and Castletown promenades and Shore Road Rushen.

The Tongue, parts of Lake Road and North Quay in Douglas, Mezeron Corner and West Quay in Ramsey, and Castletown are most at risk of some flooding, with flood defences due to be deployed in several areas.