Isle of Man TT star Peter Hickman bags podium on debut at Chimay in Belgium

The event marked its 100th anniversary at the weekend and Hickman was the headline name at the event, which was a round of the new European Series Road Racing (ESR) Championship.

Hickman, who was seventh in the first race on Sunday despite encountering an electrical issue on the 8TEN Racing BMW, led the second race on the opening laps.

The 38-year-old eventually finished third behind race winner Yan Ancia from Belgium, with Swiss rider Lukas Maurer securing the runner-up spot.

Hickman has taken the chance to compete at different events this year after withdrawing from the British Superbike Championship in a joint decision with co-team owner Davey Todd.

Earlier this month, he shone on his debut at the Southern 100, where his results included second place in the Solo Championship race behind Honda’s Dean Harrison.

“Overall it was a great weekend at Chimay for their 100th year anniversary,” said Hickman.

“It was a shame we had a little rain this morning but this afternoon it was dry.

“The organisers and spectators have been really nice and it’s great to have seen so many people here for the weekend.

“The first race didn’t go to plan for me, we had a small electronic problem on the grid.

“But I managed to get the bike running for the start, though during the race it got worse so I was happy that I finished.

“For the second race I made a great start and led the first three laps doing a 1m:37.2s lap time, which ended up being my best of the weekend, before I got passed into the first chicane.

“I felt comfortable sitting in second but unfortunately we developed a small gear change problem which cost me three seconds on one lap.

“In the end we finished third, which is great, but it would have been nice to fight for the win. I guess it means I need to come back next year.”