There are 80 solo riders set to participate in the 2026 Isle of Man TT Races and for two of them it will be their first time tackling the infamous 37.73-mile Mountain course.
On Monday morning, Gary McCoy and Rhys Stephenson took their first lap of the 37.73-mile course behind the experienced Rider Liaison Officers who have worked with them behind the scenes to ensure they are prepared to take on the ultimate challenge on asphalt. Although both riders are experienced racers with strong CVs, the pair are rookies on the Mountain Course and will be easily identifiable as they wear their orange novice bibs throughout TT fortnight.
One of Northern Ireland’s most promising road racers, McCoy was set to make his TT debut in 2025 – only to miss out due to an injury suffered at the North West 200. Now fully fit, he’ll compete in the RL360 Superstock and Monster Energy Supersport TTs.
Guided on his newcomer lap by former race winner Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle, he’s going to the TT with a learning mindset. He’s already undertaken the behind the scenes preparation all newcomers are tasked with, being mentored by the TT Rider Liaison Officers and given a programme of course familiarisation and practical guidance aimed at giving newcomers a safe and structured debut TT.
He said: “I’m excited to finally get the opportunity to ride the TT. Missing last year was difficult after putting so much work into getting there, but the priority was getting fully recovered and back racing. The aim this year is to learn as much as possible, gain experience and enjoy the whole TT journey without any pressure.”
McCoy’s long-awaited debut marks a significant milestone in his career, bringing the Northern Irish newcomer to the TT paddock with the ambition to establish himself on the Mountain Course in the years ahead. He would have an impressive first qualifying session on Tuesday, recording a 119.885mph lap in the Superstock session.
Stephenson, who set off behind veteran racer John Barton, is also treating TT 2026 purely as a learning year. The 20-year-old former Red Bull Rookies Cup rider from Lincolnshire is the youngest rider at this year’s event and will focus his attention exclusively on the Carole Nash Sportbike TTs, where he will ride the same PHR Performance prepared Triumph Daytona 660 he races in the National Sportbike Championship at the British Superbike series.
He said: “In my first year, I’m hoping to learn the course and build confidence around the island. I’m going in with no expectations. I just want to enjoy my time on the bike and learn as much as I can. I’ve been over to the island numerous times already to make sure I’m well prepared for my first laps. I’m super excited to get out on the road and go down Bray Hill.” Stephenson too impressed on his first solo laps, ending first qualifying with a lap time just shy of 110mph.
McCoy and Stephenson were due to be joined by two other Mountain Course rookies: Dutch rider Jaimie van Sikkelerus and Franco Bourne. The two former British Superbike riders were listed in the TT programme but were late withdrawals for differing reasons. Dutchman van Sikkelerus had prepared for his debut but was unable to pass the strict medical checks after breaking his leg in March. He is still attending the event though, learning the ropes ahead of a delayed debut next year,
Things were less clear with former British Talent Cup champion and Honda British Superbike rider Franco Bourne. The 22-year-old had completed a ‘Pilot Lap’ at last year’s TT, taking in a closed road lap of the 37.73-mile circuit under the guidance of the TT races’ rider liaison officer Richard Quayle.
He was due to compete under the wing of veteran TT racer Ian Lougher’s Team ILR – running a Paton S1-R in the two Carole Nash Sportbike TTs and a Honda Fireblade in the RL360 Superstock TTs – but pulled out on the morning of his newcomer lap due to personal issues. According to Lougher, Bourne too is expected to make his debut at TT 2027.
McCoy and Stephenson have all chosen to go directly to the main TT Races rather than debuting in August’s amateur Manx Grand Prix meeting. It’s a strategy which means they should be able to learn the course without expectation of results, building steadily year-by-year rather than entering the TT as one of the Manx’ star riders.
That said, there are a number of Manx Grand Prix graduates at TT 2026 – bringing their circuit experience to the big show. Although the Manx Grand Prix means they are familiar with the course, the TT requires a significant step up in standards and professionalism, having lapped the circuit at racing speeds, these riders were not required to complete a speed controlled lap but will still be classed as TT newcomers.
Two race winners from the 2025 Manx make the step up to the TT, Caomhan Canny and Lewis Arrowsmith, although Supersport champ Jamie Williams, an Isle of Man local, has unfortunately had to withdraw from the TT due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
Joining Canny as a Superbike newcomer is Ryan Whitehall, who has been a Supersport and Senior Manx Grand Prix front runner in recent years, while Daniel Ingham, Toby Shann, Daniel Forbes, Michael Mace, Michael Gahan, Craig Szczypeck and Anthony Stevens complete the roster of solo newcomers making the switch from the Manx.
There’s one complete rookie team in the sidecar classes this year, with Wakefield driver James Hanks making his debut alongside passenger Jonathan Kirk, however a total of four outfits completed speed controlled laps behind liaison officers Greg Lambert and Lee Crawford, there are three further passengers taking to the course for the first time this year. Robert Coppock, Andrew Miller and Ben Gale completed their first laps with their more experienced drivers, as required by the rules.
Good luck one and all! We wish you a fast and safe first TT.
Photos: Isle of Man TT Races
