Express & Star

Michael Rutter seals TT victory on a day to remember

Brierley Hill-born speedster Michael Rutter claimed a superb Isle of Man TT victory, the sixth of his career in the competition, with a win in the TT Zero event.

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It was a superb day for the 46-year-old who followed up the success with third place in the Supertwins series.

Rutter received his first-placed rosette from the Duke of Cambridge Prince William, who was present at the electric bike event.

Team Mugen rider Rutter set a new lap record for electric bikes in claiming victory in the TT Zero race.

The 46-year-old became the first rider to complete the one-lap sprint of the 37-mile (60km) course at an average speed of more than 120mph.

He said: “To do a lap of 121.824mph on an electric bike is amazing.”

Rutter, on his Paton machine, took third in the Supertwins behind winner Michael Dunlop and Derek McGee.

The two podium finishes follow efforts of fifth and sixth for Rutter earlier on in the event.

After a storming 24-second Zero victory, Rutter finished almost a minute-and-a-half off the pace of leader Dunlop.

For Dunlop, an 18-time TT winner, it was a hat-trick of victories in this year’s event after he previously clocked up wins in the Superbike and opening Supersport events.