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Gareth Fullerton

Peter Hickman pays touching tribute to Spanish rider who died at Isle of Man TT

Isle of Man Senior TT winner Peter Hickman paid a touching tribute to Spanish rider Raul Torras Martinez who died during Tuesday's Supertwin race.

The 46-year-old died after crashing at the Alpine section of the Mountain Course between the 16th and 17th mile markers.

Torras Martinez was an experienced TT rider, having taken part in 21 races since making his debut on the island in 2017. He was also the fastest ever Spanish rider to have competed at the event.

Read more: Isle of Man TT live updates from Saturday's Superbike race

Hickman paid tribute to his "good friend" after winning Saturday's blue riband Senior TT.

The Lincolnshire rider said: "My final thoughts are with Raul's friends and family. Unfortunately Raul is not going home from here.

"It is so sad as he was a good friend. So my thoughts are with him."

Torras Martinez was a hugely popular figure around the paddock. Tributes poured in from riders including British Superbikes star Glenn Irwin following his death.

Raul Torras Martinez was killed during Tuesday's Supertwin race (Isle of Man TT)

A statement from the organisers on Tuesday night said: "Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race. He recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course earlier today in the Superstock Race, with a lap at an average speed of 125.470mph whilst securing a 20th-place finish. Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT Course.

"In total, Raul competed in 21 TT races and his performances earned him a total of 18 Bronze Replicas.

"The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

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