TT 2026: Team ILR boss Ian Lougher sheds light on newcomer Franco Bourne's late withdrawal with young rider unable to 'fully commit'
Team ILR boss Ian Lougher said newcomer Franco Bourne was unable to “fully commit” to his debut this year after withdrawing from the event.
A former Honda Racing rider in the British Superbike Championship, Bourne was set to ride in the Sportbike races on a Paton.
However, the 21-year-old will take no part in this year’s TT, with 10-time winner Lougher saying he has time on his side to return when he is ready in the future.
“Franco has got some personal issues at the moment and can’t fully commit to racing, particularly riding down Bray Hill as a newcomer when his concentration is at an all-time low,” Lougher said.
“He has respect for himself and others and knows being only 21 years old he has time on his side so will come back next year.”
Bourne made his debut at the North West 200 a few weeks ago and impressed on the Team ILR Paton, earning a best result of fifth place in the second race after claiming ninth in the opener.
Japanese rider Masayuki Yamanaka will ride for Lougher’s team in the Sportbike races on a Paton.