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13/05/2009
Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
A rider in the famous North West 200 motorcycle event has been very seriously hurt in a high speed crash.
It happened during the final session of last night's practice sessions for the 600cc class.
John Anderton, from Antrim, was travelling at over 100 mph on a fast section of the circuit at Station Corner at about 9.20pm on Tuesday.
He rides for IFS team, on board a Yamaha R6.
The main Station Road in Portstewart was closed for a time but has since reopened.
But, as thousands of spectators continued to flow into the 'Triangle' area of Portrush/ Coleraine/Portstewart, last night, the rider involved in the crash was fighting for his life in hospital.
It is understood Mr Anderton came off his motorbike as he was exiting Station Corner heading towards Black's Bridge.
Mr Anderton was stabilised at the scene of the accident before being taken by ambulance to the nearby Causeway Hospital in Coleraine where a spokesman last night described his condition as "critical".
After tests were carried out on Mr Anderton to assess his condition, it was decided he should be transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Last night, Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course, said: "A serious incident took place at this evening's practice session during the final 600cc qualifier.
"The rider has been taken to Coleraine Hospital and further updates will be issued in due course."
Last night's accident came only days before the first anniversary of the death of road racing legend Robert Dunlop who died in a 155mph crash at a North West 200 practice session on May 15 last year.
Mr Dunlop was rushed to the Causeway Hospital near Coleraine with severe chest injuries, but died shortly afterwards.
The 47-year-old father-of-three, whose iconic brother Joey Dunlop was killed while racing in Estonia in 2000, suffered multiple injuries after being thrown over the handlebars on one of the fastest parts of the famous course.
That accident happened during the 250cc qualifying session in 2008, as he approached the Mathers Cross Section of the course.
See: Race On Despite Dunlop Tragedy
(BMcC/JM)
It happened during the final session of last night's practice sessions for the 600cc class.
John Anderton, from Antrim, was travelling at over 100 mph on a fast section of the circuit at Station Corner at about 9.20pm on Tuesday.
He rides for IFS team, on board a Yamaha R6.
The main Station Road in Portstewart was closed for a time but has since reopened.
But, as thousands of spectators continued to flow into the 'Triangle' area of Portrush/ Coleraine/Portstewart, last night, the rider involved in the crash was fighting for his life in hospital.
It is understood Mr Anderton came off his motorbike as he was exiting Station Corner heading towards Black's Bridge.
Mr Anderton was stabilised at the scene of the accident before being taken by ambulance to the nearby Causeway Hospital in Coleraine where a spokesman last night described his condition as "critical".
After tests were carried out on Mr Anderton to assess his condition, it was decided he should be transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Last night, Mervyn Whyte, clerk of the course, said: "A serious incident took place at this evening's practice session during the final 600cc qualifier.
"The rider has been taken to Coleraine Hospital and further updates will be issued in due course."
Last night's accident came only days before the first anniversary of the death of road racing legend Robert Dunlop who died in a 155mph crash at a North West 200 practice session on May 15 last year.
Mr Dunlop was rushed to the Causeway Hospital near Coleraine with severe chest injuries, but died shortly afterwards.
The 47-year-old father-of-three, whose iconic brother Joey Dunlop was killed while racing in Estonia in 2000, suffered multiple injuries after being thrown over the handlebars on one of the fastest parts of the famous course.
That accident happened during the 250cc qualifying session in 2008, as he approached the Mathers Cross Section of the course.
See: Race On Despite Dunlop Tragedy
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but a few late sunny spells most likely towards Down and Antrim. Clearer skes becoming more widespread later this evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
