One of the closest wins in the TT’s history made this a thrilling RST Superbike Race to kick off the 2019 Isle of Man TT Races.

Riders had to contend with 25-30mph winds in this shortened race, which saw Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman fight it out for the winner’s podium, with just split seconds dividing the pair from start to finish.

An opening lap of 132mph+ gave Harrison the lead over Hickman, but only by a second. The race continued in this vein, with Harrison a fraction in front as they remained neck and neck.

James Hillier was initially in strong contention for third but was soon overhauled by Manxman Conor Cummins, intent on securing the final podium place.

By lap two only 10 seconds separated the leading trio, with Hickman utilising all his prowess to smash out his own 132mph+ lap, slashing the gap with Harrison to less than half a second in the process.

The red flag came out shortly afterwards due to an incident, with the result declared at the end of the lap two – the winner taking his third victory around the Mountain Course.