Dec. 6, 2016
ISLE OF MAN — Two hundred fifty-two people have died racing motorcycles here. There is no room for error at the TT.
Since 1907, the Isle of Man has hosted the “Tourist Trophy,” or TT, a 37-mile motorcycle race that winds through this small British isle at speeds matching that of a high-speed train. The high-speed train has it easy. Riders here must navigate through hairpin bends, bumps, jumps, and manhole covers while passing perilously close to stone walls, buildings, and roadside spectators — at speeds approaching 200 mph.
Medical volunteers travel to the island each year to try to save lives. STAT had exclusive access to these track-side doctors, paramedics, and marshals as they worked. Two helicopters, six ambulances, and a medical response car cover the course and allow the team to respond to incidents within six minutes. (Despite their efforts, four riders died during this year’s race.)
The race draws huge crowds and hundreds of riders from across the world to watch and take part in the spectacle.
“What the spectators see and the marshals and the medics see are riders doing things that are really a celebration of the human spirit,” said Gareth Davies, codirector of Manx Roadracing Medical Services. “There is no rationale for a riding around this track as fast as you can — as much as there’s no real rationale for climbing mountains as quickly as you can or as high as you can.”
The Isle of Man TT is celebrating its 110th year in 2017, and the medical team remains a crucial part of keeping the race as safe as possible. Watch STAT’s exclusive video now to see the challenges of delivering medicine under such extreme conditions.
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There have been approximately 280 deaths on Mt Everest, shall we flatten it!
The best road race anywhere.
LONG MAY IT CONTINUE.
And how many people have died whilst claiming Everest?
I use to ride flat out on the road all the time,but it was other driver,s trying to kill me that led me too go racing then i,o,m TT know i get my fix road racing on the mecca of motorcycling, I would Just like to thank all the medic,s marshals and volunteer,s that make the isle of man TT possable THANK YOU
I understand that these guys do this and love it I think I would enjoy watching it for real and not just you tube… I pray for Every Rider!!
Sounds like they should outlaw this race, no???
Why? Are the participants racing under duress? Are they underage? Are they being intentionally sabotaged during the race at 160mph?
I believe this line of thinking leads to unnecessary regulation and oversight, waste of resources, and impediment to the human experience of pushing limits and exceeding boundaries.
It’s not hurting you? Just becuase you dont like it doesnt mean everyone else has to miss out.
James G obviously only read the article, or probably just the title. If he’d watched the video he would have seen that the deaths are not sensationalized at all and in fact the competitors’ love of the race and the passion of everyone involved in it are the very things that struck me when I watched it.
I really don’t think you need to sensationalize the deaths that happened at the Isle of Man they are a part of the event they have been since the beginning and as with any high-risk sport or activity the possibility of serious injury or death is very commonplace. And you could also highlight the fact that the competitors there love the race they do so of their own free will nobody is forcing anybody to race at the Isle of Man. It is one of the world’s greatest spectator and participant events. Really disappointed in your tactics and sloppy reporting. you’re no different than any other lousy third-rate hack media.
Did you even watch the video, or are you basing this on the title alone? I thought it dealt with the facts of the race, the love people have for it and the way doctors and medics do their jobs in a very balanced way. Bravo Stat!
OK, so it’s not part of the UK – “Isle of Man, British Isles” would have been better. I think we all know the reasons it is self-governing – so it can be a tax haven. But Mike Stewart’s comment is so unnecessary, especially considering the fact that there is so much more to criticize in actual fake and false reporting on so many websites and in news reports. Perhaps he could turn his nitpicking attention to those! This is an interesting article and great video and I for one was fascinated by it. Thank you!
This article opens with….”ISLE OF MAN United Kingdom”. WRONG!! The Isle of Man is NOT part of the U.K.
Mike is correct. According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, “The Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom but rather is a crown possession (since 1828) that is self-governing in its internal affairs under the supervision of the British Home Office.” “Crown possession” means that it belongs to the reigning British monarch is technically head of state, but that is not the same thing as being part of the UK.