Lintin takes Gold Cup victory ahead of McGuinness

Ivan Lintin was the surprise winner of Scarborough’s Gold Cup on the Taylor Lindsey Racing Honda on Sunday.

With Guy Martin, Michael and William Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson all sitting out the last international road race of the season, the 29 year old Lincolnshire rider dominated the racing around the Oliver’s Mount circuit, winning the feature race comfortably from John McGuinness on the Valvoline Padgett’s Honda.

“It’s been my first year on a 1000cc bike and, to be honest, I thought I’d struggle but I seemed to gel with it straightaway and with better equipment, I’ve been able to challenge the established riders more.” Lintin said.

Despite still suffering with damaged knee ligaments after crashing at last month’s National Superstock 1000cc round at Cadwell Park, Lintin was untouchable all weekend and took six wins from seven races. His only defeat came at the hands of Lee Johnston in Sunday’s second Supersport 600cc race.

“To win seven out of seven would have been nice but I’m getting more and more consistent and my performances this year have helped me get closer to the factory riders on a more regular basis.” Lintin reflected.

“Obviously, winning the TT Privateer’s Trophy made a few people take note and winning the Gold Cup is my first International big bike win. Beating someone of the calibre of John (McGuinness) is a feather in anyone’s cap and it’s been a fantastic year for me so, hopefully, I’ll be able to improve and make further progress in 2015.”

McGuinness, meanwhile, was having his first outing on modern machinery since June’s Senior TT but he was no match for Lintin or Johnston and admitted the final events of the year are being used as preparation for next season. With his 2014 campaign being wiped out by the wrist injury he sustained in March, the 21 times TT winner was racing for only the fourth time this year and he struggled to to get up to speed.

“To say it’s not been my greatest year would be an understatement,” said the Morecambe rider.

“I’ve missed more racing than I care to remember so it’s been like starting all over again. It’s been a bit of an alien situation for me and I’m a long way behind from where I need to be in terms of fitness and being race sharp but all I can do is draw a line in the sand regarding 2014 and focus all my efforts on 2015.”

“Honda are keen to do something with me again, which is a terrific boost having been with them for all these years. I don’t want to ride for anyone else and want to see out my racing career with them so with only two people lapping quicker than my previous lap record at this year’s TT there’s no reason why I can’t win another a TT. More than anything though, I want to go back next year and be competitive so riding here at the Gold Cup, and also at the Stars at Darley and Macau, is the start of that process.”