North West 200: Lee Johnston quickest in opening practice

Lee Johnston set the pace in Superbike practice at the North West 200 on Tuesday

Fermanagh man Lee Johnston led a shortened Superbike practice qualifying session on the opening day of action at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland.

The Superbike session was restricted after a crash which led to Dutch rider Johan Fredriks having to be airlifted to hospital with ankle injuries.

Johnston's time of 116.701 mph left him ahead of Michael Dunlop (115.577).

Dunlop pipped his brother William in Supersport qualifying with Alastair Seeley leading the Superstocks.

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In an opening session which saw light rain falling at regular intervals, Mullingar rider Derek McGee led the Supertwins class ahead of Martin Jessopp and Adam McLean.

Last year's main Superbike race winner Glenn Irwin was among those unable to get all their laps in during the premier class as he was fourth fastest behind Johnston, Dunlop and James Cowton.

Seeley's time of 111.947 mph in the closing Superstock session left him ahead of Michael Rutter and Dan Kneen with Michael Dunlop, Dean Harrison and David Johnson completing the top six.

Michael Dunlop's Supersport lap of 112.757 left him marginally ahead of brother William with James Hillier third fastest.

North West 200 practice and race schedule

Thursday 17 May - 09:15 BST to 15:00 BST - Roads closed for practices

Thursday 17 May - 17:00 BST to 21:00 BST - Roads closed for racing

Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 2 - Superstock Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps

Saturday 19 May - 09:15 to 19:00 BST - Roads closed for racing

Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 2 - Superbike Race 1 - 7 laps

Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps

Race 4 - Superstock Race 2 - 6 laps

Race 5 - NW200 Superbike Race 2 - 7 laps