Tandragee 100: James Walsh dies after crash in road race

Republic of Ireland rider James Walsh has died following a crash at the Tandragee 100 motorcycle road race on Saturday.

Walsh crashed in the senior support race, which was then halted by a red flag.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital by air ambulance.

The Cork rider had won the junior support race on Saturday before his fatal crash.

North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd, which organizes the Tandragee 100, confirmed Walsh’s death with “deep sadness”.

“We are completely heartbroken by this tragic loss, and our entire club mourns a truly valued member of our racing community,” the statement read.

“Road racing is a sport built on shared passions and tight bonds, one that resonates deeply with every rider, official and fan.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with his (partner) Claire, his mother Geraldine, the rest of his family, friends and members of his own club at this incredibly devastating time.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the MCUI UC (Motorcycle Union of Ireland, Ulster Centre) medical team, air ambulance crew and medical staff who fought so hard to save him.”

After a two-hour delay while medics attended to Walsh, an attempt was made to restart the senior support race, but this was halted by a second red flag.

Walsh is the first rider since Italy to die following a crash at the Tandragee 100. Dario Cecconi was involved in an accident In 2017.

He is the second rider to die in a road race crash in Northern Ireland this year, after Czech Republic rider Kamil Holan. Died in an incident at Station Corner on Northwest 200 in May.

At the Isle of Man TT road race in May, England’s Daniel Ingham was killed In a crash in qualifying in June