Northern Ireland's Shaun Anderson looking ahead to 'big year' on Penz13 BMW and CFMoto Sportbike challenge at Isle of Man TT
Northern Ireland’s Shaun Anderson has a “big year” ahead after taking on a new challenge following his move to German-based outfit Penz13.com to ride a BMW.
Anderson has been largely associated with Suzuki machinery in the 1000cc classes for much of his Isle of Man TT career and claimed a standout result of eighth in the Senior race in 2024, setting his personal best lap around the Mountain Course of 130.703mph.
The Banbridge native will also lead Chinese manufacturer CFMoto’s challenge in the newly branded Sportbike races alongside Manx rider Jamie Cringlee for the Moto Twelve team.
Anderson joins an impressive list of riders who have previously rode for ex-TT rider Rico Penzkofer’s team, including Michael Rutter, Steve Mercer, Gary Johnson, Dan Kneen, Jamie Coward, Derek Sheils, Davey Todd and Danny Webb.
“I would like to thank Rico for the opportunity,” said 42-year-old Anderson. “2026 will be a big year for me, the start of a new project with a new team and manufacturer.
“I’m sure the BMW will be a step forward. It has been the machine to be on for the last couple of years.
“Having just one big bike to concentrate on without the compromise of switching between bikes will make a big difference.
“Rico has been to the TT as both a competitor and a team owner, so he understands the demands, and when you look at the riders he has worked with over the years shows the pedigree.
“I’m excited for the year ahead, and as always, I would like to thank my family and sponsors for making this all possible.”
Anderson will ride the latest specification BMW M1000RR in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races at this year’s TT.
Team owner Penzkofer said the Ulsterman would be a “good fit” for his long-established BMW outfit.
“We are very pleased to welcome Shaun to the team for the 2026 TT,” he said. “He is a very experienced rider on the Mountain Course and has shown strong, consistent performances in recent years.
“His approach and understanding make him a very good fit for our team. We believe the BMW will suit him well across the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races, and we are confident we can work together to achieve strong results.”
Anderson is also looking ahead to leading CFMoto’s new venture at the TT in the Eddie Roberts-owned Moto Twelve team.
The 675SR-R machine will be in action for the first time at the event but has a proven pedigree in the British championship, with Scotsman Adon Davie claiming eighth overall in the 2025 Sportbike Championship.
“It’s an exciting challenge to be part of a new project like this at the TT,” said Anderson.
“Bringing a new manufacturer to the Mountain Course is something different, our focus will be on building consistency and developing the bike throughout the week for ahead of the two races.”
Roberts, the team owner and racing director, is a former TT winner, taking victory in the 1975 Production TT alongside Charlie Williams on a Honda 500.