Tourist Trophy: 'the death race' that has claimed the lives of 265 riders

From May 29 to June 10, the most dangerous international motorcycling competition in the world is held, in which every year there are countless accidents. We are talking about the Tourist Trophy (IOMTT), which is held at the Snaefell Mountain Course on the Isle of Man, an island country located between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The fact that it is the most dangerous competition in the world is for a very clear reason: since the first race was held in 1907, 265 riders have died while competing. For this reason, it is known as the death race. Last year, five riders died in the competition: Mark Purslow (29 years old), César Chanal (35), Davy Morgan (52), Roger Stockton (56) and his son Bradley (21).

There was only one edition in which there were no casualties (1982). During the IOMTT, the drivers are faced with numerous difficulties such as the 219 curves and the changes in gradient of the 38-mile long circuit. In addition, motorcyclists can reach an average speed of up to 130 miles per hour (mph).

The legendary Italian rider Giacomo Agostini and the British rider Joey Dunlop, who has achieved the highest number of victories in the IOMTT (26) to date, are some of the motorcyclists who have competed in the race of death.