Spanish rider Raul Truss Martinez dies in Supertwin race

Taurus suffered an accident on the final lap of Tuesday’s Supertwin race on the alpine section of the 37.75-mile circuit.

The 46-year-old Spaniard has been racing the TT since 2017 and finished 15th in last year’s Supertwin race.

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At Tuesday afternoon’s Superstock race, he set the fastest lap of the TT course at 195.470 mph en route to a top 20 finish, becoming the fastest Spaniard at the event.

A statement from the organizers reads: “It is with great sadness that the Isle of Man TT races announce that Raul Tras Martínez, 46, from Sant Hilari Sacalum, Spain, has died in an accident during the first Isle of Man Supertwin race in 2023. We confirm that TT Race.

“The accident happened on the third and final lap of the race, between mile 16 and 17 on the Alpine.

“Raul is an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017 and his best result was 15th in last year’s Supertwin race.

“He set the fastest lap on the TT mountain course at today’s Superstock race, averaging 195.470 mph and finishing 20th.

“Raul was the fastest Spaniard to lap the TT course.

“Raul has competed in a total of 21 TT races and won a total of 18 bronze replicas for his performance.

“The Isle of Man TT races send deepest condolences to Raul’s family, friends and loved ones.”

Taurus is so far the only rider to die on the TT this year.

Fellow Spaniard and 2020 MotoGP world champion Joan Mir tweeted: “RIP Raul. Support and condolences to his family and friends.”

Last year’s event, the first since the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, was marred by the tragic deaths of six contestants.

The race will be followed by a second Supersport and Sidecar race on Wednesday, followed by a second Superstock and Supertwin race on Friday.

The 2023 TT will conclude with the Senior TT on Saturday.

Image credit @ttracesofficial/Pacemaker Press