TV STAR Guy Martin missed the chance of a podium spot at the Isle of Man TT Aboard the Eastington-based Smiths Triumph team bike he finished fifth as Michael Dunlop retired.

Riding the factory-supported Smiths Triumph Daytona 675R, the Lincolnshire rider started steadily, but had moved up inside the top six by the end of the first lap and, with a lap of 126.823mph second time round, he occupied fourth position at half race distance.

But just as he was edging ever closer to the podium, all hopes were dashed when he was penalised thirty seconds for a speed infringement during the only pit stop of the race, his speed of 60.9kph was marginally over the allowed limit of 60kph.

As a result, it dropped him down the order but he fought back in fine style and with another 126mph lap on the fourth and final lap, he ended the race in fifth place.

Martin said: “I hadn’t been out on the bike for a couple of days and having been on my Superstock bike in the morning I was a bit lazy at the start and I think my first signal said ‘P13’.

“That woke me up a bit and I started to get my head into the race a bit more and the lap speeds were pretty good.

“As for the pit lane penalty, what can I say? It’s frustrating to say the least. The limiter was set well below 60kph and it was the same rear tyre that Gary Johnson used last year so we’re not sure why it happened. It’s frustrating like I say but the bike was faultless and we can give it another go on Wednesday.”

Team-mate David Johnson also had a strong ride setting a new personal best lap on a 600cc machine at 124.299mph on his way to claiming 11th place, having been in 18th at the end of lap one.

It followed on from the Australian’s excellent showing in the opening RST Superbike race where a succession of 127mph plus laps on the Smiths BMW S1000RR saw him secure tenth place for yet another top ten finish.