The two TAS Suzuki men from Downunder have experienced little joy at this year’s Isle of Man TT races.

It was a tough day at the office for the Relentless team riders, flying Kiwi Bruce Anstey and Australian Cameron Donald.

Mechanical gremlins and a large dose of misfortune were handed out to the antipodean stars in Supersport Race 1 and the 4-lap Superstock TT.

Donald finished the day with 10th place in both races but team-mate Anstey unfortunately retired from both outings. In the Supersport race, Anstey’s GSX-R600 developed an electrical problem and in this afternoon’s Superstock race the Kiwi retired at Creg ny Baa complaining of handling issues.

“It’s been one of those days when nothing clicks for you and I’m obviously disappointed not to have been up there challenging for a podium,” said Anstey.

“In the Supersport race I stopped at Ballaugh as I had a problem with my contact lenses before retiring with an electrical problem. Then in the Superstock race I just couldn’t get the bike to work as I wanted it, which was a pity as it was certainly as fast as race winner Ian Hutchinson’s machine. Wednesday gives me another chance in the Supersport class.”

Team manager Philip Neill was naturally disappointed.

“There’s no point hiding our disappointment but we have been coming here long enough to know that the TT can be a cruel place when you’re out of luck. Bruce’s GSX-R600 hasn’t missed a beat all year and you cannot legislate for a charging wire letting you down. I just hope it hasn’t dented his confidence for Wednesday.

“We have been lacking set-up time with the Superstock bikes this year, compared to last year when Alastair Seeley was virtually unbeatable and that added to today’s problems. Cameron dug deep and stuck with it today, and for that reason alone I’m proud of him. We still have Wednesday and Friday left to bring some results home from this year’s TT for Suzuki, Relentless and all our other loyal sponsors.”

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