Robert Dunlop

Northern Ireland motorcyle road race legend, Robert Dunlop, died on Thursday 15 May as a result of mechanical failure whilst riding his bike at 160mph on a practice lap for the forthcoming NW200 road race on Saturday 17 May. The BBC has more here.

Robert's sons also race and Michael won the 1st race on Saturday at the NW200, the 250cc race, dedicating his win to his father. Dunlop's wife urged race organisers not to cancel the North West races on Saturday but to continue with the sport which her husband loved.

Robert's older brother Joey, was killed racing his bike in Estonia on 2 July 2000. Joey was a road race superstar. This is yet another tragedy for the Dunlop family, my thoughts and prayers are with the Dunlop family circle at this sad time.