The Isle of Man TT and what makes it so special

The Isle of Man TT

Nestled in the ocean between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man is host to one of the few remaining road races in the world. Competitors fly along narrow public roads (closed for the event, obviously) and all the reasons you've ever been given for why you shouldn't race on the road, they're all there. There are stone walls, poles, kerbs, manhole covers and zero runoff areas. And yet, the current average speed that competitors achieve is over 210kph. That's average speed, mind; they top out at 320kph in certain sections. They take to the air, bottom out and hit their bellies on the road at 180kph and have tankslappers at regular intervals. 

Despite it being a time trial event, some racing does end up happening as the competitors are set off from a stop at ten-second intervals. 

Over the 110 years that it has been held, over 250 riders have died either during practice or in the race. However, this is how legends are born - we'll always be in awe of those who stare death in the face and live to tell the tale. This week and the next, the quiet little Isle of Man will have its streets full of pilgrims to what is undoubtedly one of the last remaining road races, but also one of the greatest races, in the world.