North West 200: How do motorcyclists deal with death in their sport?

Road racing is a dangerous sport, as riders can reach speeds in excess of 200mph up to University Corner on the Northwest 200, but there are measures in place to make it as safe as possible.

Protectors and bells are placed in front of the trees, lampposts, walls and curbs that line the circuit, while certain street signs and other obstacles are removed for the duration of the event.

The circuit was a fast and flowy triangle, but as the bike picked up speed four corners were introduced to reduce the average lap speed.

The latest of these was introduced at Mather’s Cross in 2010, previously a high-speed curve with little run-off following the deaths of Robert Dunlop in 2008 and Mark Young the following year.

When Mitchell-Thomas died in 2016, extra guards were introduced on the coastal road and safety measures were reviewed each year before the event.

If there are concerns about track conditions, such as oil spills or debris, experienced ex-racers are among those who head to the scene with officials to determine if it is safe for bikes to return to the track and if any action is needed.

However, as Holan’s accident tragically highlighted, the sport will never be 100% safe and those who race on Saturday will do so in his memory.

“When it’s good, it’s the best thing in the world,” Todd said.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of it. The highs are high, but the lows are really low.”