Michael Dunlop dominated the 2025 Man TT Island opening Super Twin race, taking his 31st career victory and second place in the week.
The Northern Irishman won his 30th victory on Monday in his first Supersport race of the week, but took part in Tuesday’s Super Win Contest due to the backdrop of a disappointing run in third place in the Superstock class.
However, from off, Dunlop led Paton to a 2.2-second lead with Glen Helen on lap one, then turned on the switch, simply bulging into the checkered flag.
It was Dunlop’s third consecutive Superwin victory, which increased his career total to 31, but now has 48 podiums.
Michael Evans was his closest challenger in Kawasaki, run by Dafabet, and was second to win his first TT podium.
Rob Hodson was third in Paton at his Maiden Theatre, which proved to be a tough fight for the final spot on the podium.
Dunlop, which was reduced from three laps to two due to numerous weather delays on Tuesday, took an early lead on his first tour running through Glen Helen.
Leading Evans 2.2 seconds ahead, he opened up an advantage up to 5.9 seconds in the Ballaugh sector split before extending to another 9.3 seconds with Ramsey.
By the end of the first lap, Dunlop had led Evans in 10.765 seconds at 122.006 mph from the standing start.
Threatening the class’ lap record, Dunlop pushed across the second lap as he extended his lead to 13.612 at Glen Helen.
Still pressing the final lap, Dunlop ultimately gained the edge on the checkered flag to up to 22.673 seconds, but slightly missed the lap record at 122.61 mph.
Evans managed to get caught behind Paton in Dunlop after passing the road.
Another 13.465 was Rob Hodson. Rob Hodson fought hard against Paul Jordan and Davy Todd.
Hodson rose to third place at the start of the second lap, but was temporarily defeated by Jordan around the Ramsey section.
However, a strong ending of the rap made Hodson third in 1.757 seconds from Jordan, with Todd back in fifth.
Dominique Herbertson was sixth place after Adam McLaren, Stefano Bonetti, Buzz Farber and Michael Lutter.
Mike Brown was an early factor in the podium fight, but retired after Glenn Helen on the opening lap.
