TTXGP: Story behind the first crash - NEW PICS

David Madsen-Mygdal, 53, became the first person to crash a TTXGP entry on the TT course in Tuesday’s practice session, when he slid off the German eRockit Pro-class entry at Braddan.

The Douglas-based rider – the second oldest solo rider in the TT – says the bike’s electric motor locked up without warning, sending him sliding down the road, injuring his elbow, destroying his lid and bruising his hip. Despite having six gears (one of the few TTXGP entries to have gears) the eRockit has no clutch, leaving the rider no chance to avoid disaster in the case of an engine lock-up.    

Madsen-Mygdal says he’s nervous of riding the clutchless machine in the racing – assuming the team can fix it in time – but that it was fun while it lasted: “I was going fairly well and it was pretty good fun to ride. I’m just glad it locked up in a straight line.” 

This isn’t the first time the rider of the eRockit has been injured. The team’s mechanic crashed into a ditch while conducting some – ahem – unofficial testing leaving him hospitalised. The causes of that crash haven’t emerged.

– Image courtesy of Ronnie Rock.