Rider dies after TT crash

Jun Maeda, the Japanese rider seriously injured in a practice crash at the Isle of Man TT, has died.
The 38-year-old was in a high-speed collision with Irish rider Seamus Greene last Monday, May 29, and was subsequently transferred off the Island to the North Manchester hospital for treatment for severe pelvic and internal injuries.
Maeda, a well-known face during TT fortnight for his charismatic style and passion for road racing, rode for the ASR-Evomoto Honda team, and a team spokesman said: “Since he first raced here in 1997, the TT meant everything to Jun. His love for the TT and the island itself made him work hard all year, every year, to get back here. Even after his accident he was talking about coming back to the TT next year. Jun used to say the Isle of Man felt like home.”
Maeda’s TT career stretches back to his debut on the Island in 1997, when he came armed with a VTR1000 and picked up a Best Newcomer award, logging a steady best lap of 21m 10s. He returned in ’98 with the Sanyo Honda squad, and in subsequent years always rode Hondas.
His best result was a sixth, in last year’s Supersport race on a CBR600, while his lap time was 18m 08s, or 124mph.
Our sympathies go out to his family, friends, and team.

Seamus Greene is still listed as critical.