RST Superbike TT Race One and the TT Legacy Lap

The first TT race of 2026 proved to be an important one. The RST Superbike TT is a six-lap, 226.38-mile race around the Mountain Course and was originally scheduled as the second race of the meeting. However, organisers cancelled Saturday’s RL360 Superstock TT Race 1 due to unfavourable weather conditions, making the Superbike TT the opening race of the festival.

The TT Legacy Lap

Before racing got underway on Sunday, thousands of riders took part in the TT Legacy Lap.

The Legacy Lap began as a tribute to Simon Andrews, who tragically lost his life during the 2014 North West 200. More than 5,000 riders participated in the inaugural ride-out, and it has since become a cherished part of the Isle of Man TT.

Over the years, the event has evolved into an official TT fixture, honouring the riders, officials and supporters who have helped shape road racing on the Isle of Man.

This year, the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) led the procession down Glencrutchery Road. The WRWR is a global movement connecting female motorcyclists across the world. Its first relay united more than 20,000 women in 102 countries, and the organisation continues its mission of connecting every woman rider worldwide.

Standing trackside and watching the riders pass was a powerful reminder of the close-knit nature of the road racing community. The Legacy Lap gives people an opportunity to reflect, remember and celebrate those who are no longer with us. Their contribution to the sport will never be forgotten.

Spectating from the Bungalow

For race day, we chose the Bungalow as our viewing and photography location.

The Bungalow is one of the easiest spectator spots to access outside Douglas. It offers excellent facilities, including a café, toilets and plenty of viewing space. Visitors without transport can take the Manx Electric Railway directly from Douglas to the circuit, making it one of the most accessible locations on the course.

The tram itself also provides an excellent photographic backdrop.

A footbridge allows spectators to move safely between both sides of the course, while Joey Dunlop’s memorial sits just beside the café. There is ample free parking for motorcycles and cars, along with plenty of room to explore different viewpoints and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

It remains one of my favourite places to watch the TT, particularly for the longer races. With six laps scheduled for the Superbike TT, we had plenty of opportunities to move around and capture different angles as the riders blasted through at incredible speeds.

Understanding the TT Starting Order

Following qualifying, officials released the start list for the TT races.

Unlike a conventional circuit race, there is no pole position at the Isle of Man TT. Instead, organisers assign the top 20 seeded riders a race number, which determines the order in which they leave the start line on Glencrutchery Road.

Many leading competitors prefer to keep the same numbers throughout their careers. Peter Hickman continues to run with number 10, while Michael Dunlop remains associated with number 6. Other riders retain their numbers where possible but may move up or down the order to maintain suitable gaps between competitors.

The TT uses a time-trial format because the Mountain Course runs on narrow public roads. Riders start individually at ten-second intervals rather than in a mass start. The winner is therefore determined by overall elapsed race time rather than by crossing the finish line first.

RST Superbike TT Race One

TT legend John McGuinness was the first rider away, carrying the number one plate. With 23 TT victories to his name, he remains third on the all-time winners list.

Approximately 13 minutes later, Dean Harrison swept past the Bungalow, closely followed by McGuinness on the road. Harrison looked in outstanding form and went on to dominate the opening Superbike TT race of the 2026 Isle of Man TT.

The Honda rider led from the opening sector to the chequered flag, delivering a commanding six-lap performance. Harrison set an opening lap average of 134.892mph and steadily increased his advantage throughout the race. His lead grew from 12 seconds after the first lap to more than 33 seconds by the final pit stop sequence.

While Harrison controlled the race at the front, the battle for second provided the day’s biggest talking point.

Michael Dunlop initially held second place, but Peter Hickman stayed within touching distance throughout the race. The pair traded time advantages sector by sector, creating a fascinating contest that gradually pulled away from fourth-placed Josh Brookes.

Heading into the final lap, Hickman gained a crucial advantage thanks to a quicker pit stop. That stop helped him extend his lead over Dunlop to just over seven seconds.

Harrison remained unchallenged at the front and secured victory by 15.5 seconds. Hickman finished second, while Dunlop completed the podium after an intense race-long battle.

Josh Brookes, John McGuinness, Jamie Coward, Ian Hutchinson, Mike Browne, Nathan Harrison and Conor Cummins completed the top ten.

Monday provides a well-earned rest day for the riders before the action resumes on Tuesday. We will return then with another race report.

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Thanks to RPW Photography for his continued support. You can find all of our Isle of Man TT reports via the link below.