Former British champion Dan Cooper endured a frustrating day at the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races yesterday when he finished in 23rd place in the four lap Monster Energy Supersport race.
Having finished 10th in the class twice in the last two years, the Stroud rider had high hopes coming into the event as he expected the Supersport class to give him his best results but after a fraught practice week, he came into the race with a lack of mileage under his belt.
Further changes were made to the Tsingtao Kawasaki prior to the race but right from the off, he was up against it as the bike refused to pull sixth gear leaving him at a major disadvantage to the rest of the field around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
Indeed, this was reflected in his opening lap speed of 119.923mph which left him down the order in 24th place. Despite his best efforts and despite two more laps over 119mph, he was only able to make up one place and 23rd place and a bronze replica was not at all what he'd hoped for.
Speaking afterwards, a disappointed Dan said: "Having come tenth for the last couple of years and lapped at more than 122mph, I was really hopeful of a good result today, especially as I have been riding the bike I ride in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship. I've struggled all week in practice trying to get the bike to handle and that, combined with the lack of sixth gear, left me pretty powerless to do anything. I gave it my all during the race but it just wasn't happening and to say I'm disappointed and frustrated with 23rd place would be an understatement. On the plus side, we've a second Supersport race on Wednesday so we get to have a second bite of the cherry and, with a few adjustments to the bike, hopefully I'll be able to move a lot higher up the results sheets."
Prior to the second Supersport race on Wednesday, Dan will be back out on Tuesday in the four lap Superstock TT race, which was pushed back a day due to inclement weather conditions on the island.
2014 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy
Tuesday 3rd June 12.15 hrs Superstock TT Race 4 laps
Wednesday 4th June 10:45 hrs TT Zero Challenge 1 lap12:00 hrs TT Supersport Race 2 4 laps14:30 hrs TT Sidecar Race 2 3 laps
Friday 6th June 10:15 hrs Lightweight TT Race 3 laps13:00 hrs Senior TT Race 6 laps
Qualifying Periods*
Wednesday 4th June15:50 hrs - 16:15 hrs Senior TT 16:20 hrs - 16:45 hrs Lightweight
*Please note: all times and dates are subject to confirmation and may be changed at very short notice.
