Kiwi bike racer died 'instantaneously'

Paul Dobbs, Kiwi killed in the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand TT rider Paul Dobbs died instantly when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed at high speed during a race, a British inquest has been told.

Isle of Man coroner Alastair Montgomerie today recorded a verdict of "misadventure" for the 39-year-old, who suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene of the crash at Ballagarey during the first Supersport race of the island's 2010 TT races.

Mr Dobbs, from Onewhero, 70km south of Auckland, is survived by his wife, Bridget, and daughters Eadlin, eight, and Hillberry, five.

The inquest at Douglas Courthouse on the Isle of Man heard evidence from spectators, marshals and police who attended the scene on June 10, the BBC reported.

Mr Montgomerie read out a series of statements, including one from Brian Graham who witnessed the crash from the roadside.

"The rider leaned too far over and lost control when he was going round the corner," Mr Graham said.

"He was thrown from the bike and flew through the air and landed on the road face down."

The court heard also heard statements from spectators Robert and Sandra Kinvig, who described hearing a scraping sound "like metal on the road".

"The rider then lost control and straw bales exploded as the bike hit them," they said.

Mr Dobbs was thrown into the air and landed about 15m down the road with a "loud thud".

"He was motionless from the moment he hit the ground," they added.

Mr Montgomerie, recording his verdict, concluded that it was "clear from evidence that Paul Dobbs lost control of his bike and crashed".

"It is not easy to say why he lost control. It was not due to a mechanical fault. Paul lost control of his bike with fatal consequences."

Mr Montgomerie paid tribute to marshals and medics who, he said, did everything they possibly could, but added that Mr Dobbs' death was "instantaneous".

"He will be much missed at the TT. He was a popular, experienced and regular TT competitor," Mr Montgomerie added.

"He really did love the Isle of Man and the TT. He even named his younger daughter, Hillberry, after a section of the course and he was buried on the island."

- NZPA