Peter Hickman denied chance to defend Isle of Man TT crown

With the Government stopping medical services attending mass events for the foreseeable future as the NHS battles the pandemic, organisers have cancelled the TT, due to be staged in June.

Hickman is the fastest road racer in the world and last year added to his prolific Isle of Man tally of honours with a hat-trick of wins in 2019.

“Naturally I’m absolutely gutted about the 2020 TT being cancelled,” Hickman said.

“The Smiths Racing team and all my sponsors have been working incredibly hard over winter and we were all looking forward to a fantastic event.

“These are unprecedented times, though, and the health and well-being of everyone involved, from the officials and riders to the fans and residents on the Isle of Man, has to come first.

“We’ll be back though, so here’s to TT 2021.”

It may not necessarily by the end of racing for Hickman in 2020, however.

The 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship may resume when and if conditions allow, but the season opener at Silverstone, from April 10 to 12 has been postponed until later in the year.

Series promoter and organiser Motorsport Vision said: “He is continuing to work closely with teams, circuits, broadcasters and partners to evaluate the constantly-changing situation and will provide further updates when available.”

Ulster road racing event, the North West 200, has also been postponed, rather than cancelled, for the time being at least.

Hickman added: “In the meantime, we’re still working to get the bike ready for when the BSB season gets under way, and for the postponed North West.

“I’ve also been working on some other exciting projects for this year which I’ll be announcing very soon.

“Wishing you all good health and I can’t wait to get back racing and make up for lost time.”