2022 Isle of Man TT | Hickman powers to Superbike TT win, Irwin rookie record
In perfect conditions, the lap record holder took control of the race from the very first split and proceeded to multiply his advantage over the competition during the first-half of the race.
However, with a margin of more than 40secs to play once he had completed his final pit-stop, Hickman opted to manage his pace thereafter and protect his lead rather than push for the lap record many were tipping him for.
Indeed, with fast laps in previous outings being motivated by recovering from leisurely starts, this time Hickman - the ninth rider off the line - was on pace from the first run down Bray Hill, allowing him the choice of managing his bike three years after his Senior TT hopes were scuppered by technical issues.
With Hickman overtaking all but Harrison, who got away second off the line, the DAO Kawasaki rider consolidated the position over the week to be classified as the runner-up to his primary rival.
He was pushed hard by Michael Dunlop, who got to within six seconds of overhauling Harrison directly after the second pit-stop, but couldn’t quite overhaul his rival to settle for third.
Ian Hutchinson enjoyed a strong race day by fending off a close fight for fourth position, ahead of John McGuinness - who having led the field off the line on a special liveried anniversary bike - completed his 100th TT with another top five finish.
Jamie Coward became the latest rider to join the 130mph-plus club en route to sixth, ahead of OMG Yamaha’s James Hillier and Glenn Irwin in eighth.
The BSB race winner was arguably the star of the day as he ramped up his pace in the race to secure a fine top eight finish, in so doing setting a fastest lap of 129.849mph, breaking Hickman's eight-year old record for rookies at the TT.
A race of high attrition early on, Davey Todd's hopes of a TT podium were scuppered when he retired while running fourth, his disappointment was followed by Milenco by Padgetts Honda team-mate Connor Cummins also coming to a stop while in third place just minutes later. Lee Johnston was also on course initially for a top five before bringing his Ashcourt Yamaha to a stop.
