A French newcomer to the TT races died after an accident during yesterday evening's practice session.
Franck Petricola, aged 32, from Pont a Mousson was due to make his TT debut in 2014 but was injured in the North West 200 meeting earlier in the month and forced to withdraw from last year's event. He returned to full fitness and raced at Scarborough and the North West 200 where he finished 25th the Superstock and 21st in the Superbike races.
Petricola was a regular competitor in the IRRC Championship and enjoyed his best season in 2013 with 11thoverall in the Superbike category. His best result, sixth, came at Chimay and he ended the year strongly with six successive top ten finishes and took a brace of thirds in the Lightweight Races at Horice and Terlicko.
He was killed after an accident at Sulby Crossroads at about 7.45pm. Race organisers the ACU have passed on their deepest sympathy to Franck's family and friends. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.
