Rider died after crashing into garden wall

Ian Bainbridge, 69, had raced in the MGP since 2005

A motorcycle rider died after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a wall of a garden during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, an inquest has heard.

Ian Bainbridge, 69, died following the crash at Kirk Michael during the first lap of the session on 22 August.

Douglas Courthouse heard the racer, from Barnard Castle in County Durham, was off the racing line when approaching the bend at the exit from the village in what were "near perfect" conditions.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Coroner James Brooks passed on his condolences to Mr Bainbridge's family.

In a written statement fellow competitor Jeffrey Smith, who was following behind, said Mr Bainbridge was the only one who took a different line through the village, and footage showed his machine further to the right of the carriageway than the other competitors.

'Absolute gentleman'

The court heard, after travelling over some gravel, Mr Bainbridge's machine hit a garden wall before being thrown back into the road killing the 69-year-old instantly.

A post mortem report showed he had died as a result of head and neck injuries consistent with a motor racing crash.

Racing examiner David Hagen, who inspected the machine, said the Manx Norton had no defects prior to the crash.

Describing Mr Bainbridge as an "absolute gentleman", Mr Smith said he was "a sensible rider who was there for himself, not to beat the top riders, but to enjoy himself".

Mr Brooks said he was satisfied that the rider had been off the racing line when he lost control of his motorcycle and ruled out any other potential causes or influences.

Recording a verdict of death by misadventure, he said he hoped that Mr Smith's words would bring some comfort to Mr Bainbridge's family.