A County Durham rider has died tragically after a crash during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, organisers have confirmed.

Ian Bainbridge, 69, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, was involved in a crash on the exit from Kirk Michael village on Tuesday evening.

He is the second competitor to have died during qualifying for the event.

In a statement the organisers of the Manx Grand Prix Races said: "We are saddened to confirm that Ian Bainbridge, 69, from Barnard Castle, was killed in an accident during the second qualifying session for the 2023 event.

"The accident occurred on the exit of Kirk Michael village on his first lap of the session.

"Ian made his Mountain Course debut in 2005 and had been a regular competitor in the classic racing classes ever since, only missing the Manx Grand Prix on two occasions in that time.

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His best performance came in the 2010 Classic Senior Manx Grand Prix when he finished in 8th place.

"The Manx Grand Prix pass on their deepest sympathy to Ian’s family, loved ones, and friends."

Described as a "stalwart of the classic racing scene", he had raced his Manx Norton around the UK, the Pre TT Classic at the Southern 100, and the Bob McIntyre Memorial Races at East Fortune over many years.

He was also a keen supporter of grass roots racing, helping new racers attain their licence as an active member of the North East Motorcycle Racing Club.