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The Dunlop name has returned to the top step of the podium at the Isle of Man TT with Michael taking a dominant victory in the Relentless Supersport Race 2 on Wednesday afternoon.
The 21-year-old son of the late Robert and nephew of the late Joey – both multiple TT winners – romped to the win more than 30 seconds ahead of second placed Bruce Anstey.
Manxman Conor Cummins took his first TT podium with a hard-earned third place, after slipping behind Anstey on lap four when he lost speed on Glencrutchery Road.
Speaking after his emotional victory Dunlop said:
‘I have always wanted a TT win, and for it to come so early in my career is amazing.’
After more than four hours of delay caused by rain, the race got under way at 2pm and Dunlop struck immediately, taking the lead at Glen Helen.He seemed not to be phased by the still wet conditions between Appledene and Ballaugh and, while speeds were down on the record-breaking pace of Tuesday’s first Relentless Supersport race, Dunlop’s speed put him well ahead of the pack.
Dunlop had 10 seconds over Cummins at the end of lap one, but the first circuit was enough for his brother William, who pulled into the pits and retired saying the conditions were not for him.
As conditions improved, so did the pace, and Dunlop continued to build his advantage, lapping 27 seconds faster second time round to establish a 14 second lead heading into the pits.
It seemed nothing could stop yet another Dunlop claiming victory in the Isle of Man, the lead over Cummins building to 19 seconds by Ramsey on lap three and 24 seconds by the end of the penultimate circuit.
As Ramsey man Cummins crossed the start/finish line his 600cc McAdoo Kawasaki slowed to just 98mph across the timing beam, but he recovered to get the bike back on pace, albeit now behind Kiwi Anstey.
Lap three was also the end of Guy Martin’s race, the Hydrex Honda grinding to a halt in the pits.
The final lap saw Dunlop extend his lead over TAS Suzuki’s Anstey to more than 30 seconds, the Northern Irish rider arriving back at the Grandstand in Douglas to enormous cheers.
Dunlop said:
‘The week had just been a disaster, I just wanted to pack the van up and go home.’
‘I got my head down on that first lap and kept going.’
Second place Anstey added:‘Finally got all the gremlins sorted out. I’m just pleased to finish second. The first lap was very tricky, through Glen Helen was very slippery.’
Cummins said:‘I am absolutely over the moon, really, really chuffed. I just went hell for leather and here we are.’
‘I have been trying for four years to get on the podium. It’s a dream come true.’
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