'Enhanced medical standards' for TT riders from 2025

New initiative to centre on competitors' physical and mental wellbeing

The Isle of Man TT Races is planning to bring in 'enhanced medical standards' for competitors from 2025.

Organisers ACU Events Ltd. says in collaboration with Manx Roadracing Medical Services (MRMS) a new initiative is being launched to 'enhance the physical and mental health' of riders.

Once in place, the project will see racers be subject to further assessments alongside the measures already in place.

It will commence at this year's races with several volunteer competitors undergoing a series of physiological, mechanical and biochemical examinations.

Currently, riders must file a medical report to the ACU as part of their application for a Mountain Course License.

Under the new plans from next year, each competitor would then also be 'subject to thorough on-event medical assessment' before first qualifying.

MRMS will also give competitors pre-event guidance as part of their 'physical and mental preparation.'

Furthermore, numerous factors such as lactate levels, blood glucose, heart rate and grip strength will be monitored with checks before and after sessions.

It's hoped - officials add - it will offer clarity on the TT's 'inherent risks and the unnecessary risks' to help the event run safely without impacting the 'spectacle or DNA' of the races.

The TT's Chief Medical Officer Dr Gareth Davies says: "Sports science is an area of medicine that's evolved at an incredible rate... but it's an area where motorcycle racing in general is arguably behind the curve, and the TT is no exception.

"Ultimately this is a project to further the work aimed at removing avoidable risks at the TT."