A MOTORCYCLE rider from Colchester has died after a crash during a qualifying session for the Manx Grand Prix.

Gary Vine has died after succumbing to injuries sustained in an accident in the first qualifying session of the 2023 event.

Organisers of the annual races confirmed the tragic news following an incident which took place on Sunday afternoon.

The Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races are held on the Isle of Man TT Course every year for a two-week period, usually spanning the end of August and early September.

The accident occurred on the 33-year-old's first lap of the session at Ballagarey, with the event temporarily stopped as a result of the crash.

Following the sad news, a statement from Manx Grand Prix Races reads: "Everyone involved in the organisation of the Manx Grand Prix would like to express their deepest sympathies to Gary’s family, his partner, his loved ones, and friends.

"Gary was a well-loved and respected member of the paddock and his peers will fondly remember a skilled and stylish racer with an impressive racing CV. The loss of Gary will be felt deeply by all."

Gary was a regular competitor at the Manx Grand Prix, making his debut in 2015 where he took a highly-impressive victory in the Newcomers B Race.

Against a field of Supertwin bikes, he took a commanding and popular victory.

He earned another podium in the 2018 Lightweight Race, and also secured top-ten finishes at the Classic TT.

He competed in the Supersport Races at the 2022 and 2023 TT Races, posting his fastest ever lap of the TT Mountain Course this year at an average speed of 118.488mph.

Away from the Isle of Man he was a well-known and respected figure of the two-stroke and classic racing scene, and was a familiar face at the GP Originals championship and at the Goodwood Members’ Meetings.

Gary was also a skilled off-road rider, and had contested the notorious Red Bull Romaniacs hard enduro rallye.