Olivier Lavorel dead at 35: French sidecar passenger becomes second fatality at this year’s Isle of Man TT

ISLE OF MAN TT organisers have announced the death of Olivier Lavorel after a crash in Saturday's sidecar race.

The French passenger, 35, was involved in an incident at Ago's Leap during the first lap of the race.

Driver Cesar Chanel remains in a critical condition and has been airlifted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool

The session was instantly red-flagged, with the remainder of the day's events abandoned.

The sidecar race is expected to be rescheduled for later in the week.

Lavorel becomes the second casualty of this year's race after Welsh superbike rider Mark Purslow died earlier this week after an accident during qualifying for the TT races.

In a statement, organisers said: "The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Olivier's family, friends and loved ones, and our thoughts and best wishes are with Cesar at this time."

Both Lavorel, from Sillingy, and Chanel were experienced sidecar racers but were newcomers to the event on the TT's Mountain Course.

The event has been running since 1907, and has seen more then 250 fatalities during its history.

This year marks the return of the TT after a two-year absence brought on by Covid-19.

Rider Dave Moffitt was also hospitalised on Tuesday following a crash.

Moffitt is believed to be in serious but stable condition.