TT 2026: Top-20 for new-look Sportbike class unveiled

New machinery to be permitted in class for first time this year

The top-20 seeded riders have been confirmed for the new-look Sportbike class at this year's Isle of Man TT Races.

For 2026, the class - previously known as the Supertwin category - will, for the first time, allow Sportbike machinery on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Leading the Sportbike TT on the road this year will be Mike Brown at No.1 on the Melbray/Laycock Racing Paton followed by Paul Jordan on the Jackson Racing powered by Prosper2 Aprilia at No.2.

Moving up to No.3 this year is local rider Michael Evans whilst the No.5 slot will be vacant in 2026 due to Adam McLean withdrawing from this year's event after recently undergoing surgery.

Maintaining his slot at No.6 will be reigning Supertwin champion and 33-time TT winner, Michael Dunlop whilst in behind him is a highest start for Barry Furber at No.7.

Completing the first ten will be Davey Todd (No.8), Rob Hodson (No.9) and Peter Hickman (No.10).

Elsewhere, Dominic Herberston - a Supertwin podium finisher of the previous two years - will start at No.13 whilst behind him at No.14 is Shaun Anderson who will ride a CFMoto machine with the Chinese manufacturer making its TT debut this summer.

You can view the full 2026 Sportbike TT top-20 seeded riders below:

2026 Isle of Man TT Races Sportbike Top-20 Seeded Riders

1.) Mike Browne (Melbray/Laycock Racing - Paton)
2.) Paul Jordan (Jackson Racing powered by Prospoer2 - Aprilia)
3.) Michael Evans (Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV - Yamaha)
4.) Jamie Coward (Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles - Paton)
5.) ---
6.) Michael Dunlop (Paton by MD Racing - Paton)
7.) Barry Furber (DC Motorcycles Newtown - Yamaha)
8.) Davey Todd (Swan Racing by PHR Performance - Yamaha)
9.) Rob Hodson (SMT Racing - Paton)
10.) Peter Hickman (Swan Racing by PHR Performance - Yamaha)
11.) Stefano Bonetti (Ducoli Corse - Aprilia)
12.) Joe Yeardsley (Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV - Yamaha)
13.) Dominic Herbertson (KTS Macadam Triumph Factory Racing - Triumph)
14.) Shaun Anderson (Moto12-CFMoto Team - CFMoto)
15.) Pierre-Yves Bian (PHR Performance - Triumph)
16.) Andrea Majola (Majo Road Racing Team by EA - Paton)
17.) Michael Sweeney (MSR Racing - Aprilia)
18.) Michal Dokoupil (Indi Racing - Aprilia)
19.) Joey Thompson (TH Racing - Aprilia)
20.) Allan-Jon Venter (TH Racing/Tag 43/Skynet Logistics - Aprilia)