Rider dies at Isle of Man TT

Derek Brien has been killed in an accident at the Isle of Man TT.

The 34-year-old Irishman crashed on the first lap of the opening Supersport event at the Gorselea section of the circuit.

Brien is the third rider to die at this year's TT after sidecar racer Bill Currie and his passenger Kevin Morgan were killed in a practice crash last Tuesday.

Brien, from Bellewstown in county Meath, is the 234th competitor to lose their life on the Snaefell Mountain Course during the Isle of Man TT races and Manx Grand Prix since its' inception in 1911.

A statement on the Isle of Man TT website read: "ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce the death of Derek Brien, 34, from Co. Meath in Ireland who was killed during the first Supersport race at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races following a high-speed accident at Gorse Lea.

"Derek was an experienced road racer who first competed on the Isle of Man in the Manx Grand Prix in 2007 and competed in the TT Races in 2009 and 2010. He had a highest TT place of 13th in the 2010 Supersport 1 race.

"Derek was single with a partner, Sarah. The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Derek's family and friends."

R.I.P

R.I.P to all three who have lost their lives