The rider regarded by many as the man to beat set the first 120mph plus lap as TT 2006 got underway on Saturday night.

John McGuinness (HM Plant Honda Fireblade) lapped in at 18 minutes 33.23 seconds, a speed of 122.013mph, towards the end of the solo session.

Local talent Conor Cummins was the fastest newcomer at 107.469mph (21m 03.87s) on the Team Racing Yamaha R1.

Dave Molyneux and Craig Hallam set the pace for the evening in the timed sidecar session with a lap in 20m 02.72s - a speed of 112.934mph.

The chequered flag was displayed just before 8.55pm to bring to an end the opening practice session.

The next session is Monday evening with roads closing at 6pm for a 6.15pm start.