Isle of Man TT organisers confirm identity of the Sidecar racer killed during race one

The organisers of the Isle of Man TT have released a statement stating that there has been a case of “mistaken identification” with regards to the Sidecar accident involving César Chanal and Olivier Lavorel on Saturday June 4.

Following the accident, which occurred on the opening lap at Ago’s Leap, a statement was released which reported the death of passenger Olivier Lavorel. It also stated that Chanal was airlifted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool and was in a critical condition.

However, it has now been stated by the TT organisers that they believe it to be César Chanal who has died, and that its Olivier Lavorel who is alive and in a critical condition in hospital.

Today’s full statement reads:

“On Saturday 4th June during the opening lap of the first Sidecar Race of the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races, an accident at Ago’s Leap involving outfit number 21 of César Chanel and Olivier Lavorel resulted in the death of one of the competitors.

“The race was stopped with the deployment of full-course red flags, and medical personnel, a Travelling Marshal, and the emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

“One of the competitors sustained injuries that would not support life and was sadly declared dead at the scene. The second competitor was unconscious with severe injuries.

“The injured competitor was treated at the roadside before being transferred to Noble’s Hospital, and then airlifted to a specialist hospital in Liverpool to receive treatment.

“An initial identification procedure was conducted using established procedures and would appear to have resulted in a mistaken identification.

“We now believe it was César Chanal who died at the scene of the accident on Saturday 4th June. Olivier remains in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment.

“Both competitors’ families have been informed.

“A thorough review of the processes relating to the identification of competitors will take place in due course.

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of both Olivier and César at this truly devastating time.

“We ask that people do not speculate on social media.”