Killed Pre-TT Classic racer 'appeared to lose control'

A competitor who was killed taking part in the Pre-TT Classic road races on the Isle of Man “appeared to have lost control” of his motorbike before crashing, an inquest has heard.

Alan Oversby, 68, died in the crash on the approach to Ballakeighan Corner on the Billown Course, in the south of the island, on lap two of the 400cc Race on 24 May.

Douglas Courthouse heard the veteran competitor, from Bolton le Sands, Lancashire, had suffered an aortic rupture and died at the scene.

Adjourning the inquest, coroner James Brooks passed on his condolences to Oversby’s family and friends.

Advocate Darren Taubitz, representing race organisers Southern 100 MCR, also offered the condolences of the club.

Held on the 4.25-mile (6.8km) Billown Course and organised by the Southern 100 Club, the Pre-TT Classic road races took place between 22 and 24 May.

The annual event is an immediate precursor to the Isle of Man TT races, featuring classic motorcycles and sidecars.

Making his debut at the event in 2005, Oversby was a regular competitor in the races.

His tally of 16 wins included two on the day of his death.

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