Two top threes in '˜tough year' at the TT

John McGuinness in action during the Senior TT. Picture: Tony Goldsmith

John McGuinness admitted it had been a 'tough year' at the Isle of Man TT after coming away winless for the first time since 2010.

The Morecambe Missile was however pleased with two podiums, taking his haul of Mountain Course top threes to 46, as Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop dominated the festival with three wins and two wins respectively.

The resort racer was third in both the opening Superbike race and the closing Senior TT as he celebrated his 20th year at the road racing festival.

There was disappointment elsewhere though as he was forced to retire from the second Supersport race while his bid for a hat-trick of electric TT Zero wins was thwarted by his emergency stop button being accidentally activated as he lost out to team mate Bruce Anstey.

McGuinness had previously come home fifth in the opening Supersport race and sixth on his own BetVictor and EMC-backed Superstock machine.

The 44-year-old said: “This is my 20th TT and I remember going down Bray Hill on my little 250 Honda.

“I never thought I’d be back on the podium with my 46th podium 20 years later.

“I’ve seen all sorts of things, come across great riders and been in fantastic races.

“Last year I was sat in the middle but this year it’s Michael and Hutchy and I know how hard it is.

“It’s been a tough year and it has been hard, but I always enjoy coming here and riding, and to walk away with two podium finishes is great.”