Swiss rider Poncini dies in Manx GP qualifying

Swiss rider Mauro Poncini died in an incident during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races, organisers said on Wednesday. The 29-year-old, an experienced competitor in the Supersport and Supertwin categories, was making his debut on the Isle of Man’s Mountain Course. Organisers said Poncini was one of two riders involved in the crash at Cruickshanks on the first lap of Tuesday’s second session. The other competitor, who was not named, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. Reuters notes there were no fatalities at last year’s Manx GP, but races on the island remain among the deadliest worldwide, including the TT.