One of the most dangerous road races in the world, ever, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy was forced to constantly upgrade the passive safety measures to limit the injuries of both riders who crash and unlucky spectators that may happen to be in the way.
Likewise, as the bikes racing around the Mountain Course grew more powerful, the speed also increased. Recently, Michael Dunlop, nephew to the late Joey Dunlop, just broke the outright lap speed record going north of 133 mph (214 km/h) on average, aboard a BMW S1000RR.
This, in turn, demanded that riders taking part in the TT races become more skilled and have better reflexes. The video below shows a nasty crash that involved Jamie Cowton and how Horst Saiger, who was right behind him, managed to avoid the impact, missing him by inches.
The incident took place during the RL360 Quantum Superstock race on Monday, when Jamie lost control of the bike on a corner exit and crashed violently into the foam barriers at the side of the road. His bike can be seen in the video flying through the air at incredible speed and height, leaving a comet-like trail of white smoke.
Cowton then ricochets from the barrier towards the middle of the road, tangled in a sponsor banner, in front of Saiger's motorcycle. The reactions of the Austrian rider are imperceptible for the moment, but he manages to masterfully steer his Kawasaki ZX-10R and avoid hitting Cowton, thus sparing us what would have most likely been another death.
Saiger only hits an end of the banner and carries on with the race, finishing in a personal best 13th position. Believe it or not, Jamie Cowton walked away from this unbelievable crash with only bumps and bruises.
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