Bruce Anstey made an emotional return to the Isle of Mountain Course today (Saturday) with the Kiwi completing a parade lap on his Padgetts Honda RC213V-S.

Anstey has been absent from the road racing scene for the entire season as he battles cancer but he was all smiles both before and after his lap of the 37.73-mile course, the first time he’s been on a machine since the Ulster Grand Prix last August.

“I’ve been sitting at home all year feeling pretty miserable for myself and going in and out of hospital but I thought I’d come over to the Classic and have a look, “ said Anstey before the lap. “I’ve ended up getting a parade lap arranged for me on the RCV though so it feels pretty good!”

Anstey set off down Glencrutchery Road with a giant wheelie, completing the lap at just over 113mph and was delighted to have done yet another lap of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

“It was awesome to be back out there but I’m completely knackered now,” he said afterwards. “The bike was doing most of the work but all the fans and marshals were waving so a big thanks to them and to Clive and the team for letting me have a blast on the RCV.”