For the third time this year, Peter Hickman had to settle for second place behind Michael Dunlop at the Isle of Man TT Races, this time in Wednesday’s second Supersport race, but a final lap of 130.219mph showed just how well he continues to ride.

Riding the K2 Trooper Beer Triumph, Hickman was almost 13 seconds behind Dunlop at one stage and although the Northern Irishman lapped quicker than him on the final lap, he ensured he also joined the 130mph Club in the middleweight class as he made a final lap charge.

The deficit came down to 7.8s at one stage only for Dunlop to respond and eventually take a 9.6s win but Hickman was pleased with his effort over the four laps.

“It’s absolutely brilliant and to do a 130mph lap in the Supersport class was one of my targets coming into this year’s event, regardless of the final result,” he explained. ““Michael’s riding great and it’s motivating me more than ever. It’s keeping the competition healthy.”

“My start wasn’t too bad, and it was pretty close early on before Michael began to edge away. I wasn’t quite on the money, but I can’t complain too much.

"I pulled my finger out a bit more in the second half of the race and the final 130mph lap felt pretty good. We’re in the entertainment business and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Hickman will now turn his attention to his preferred Superstock and Superbike (Senior TT) disciplines on Friday and Saturday.

The Louth rider is the only person to beat Dunlop in a straight fight this year following his win in the first Superstock TT race, while he showed similar rapid pace to Dunlop during the final laps of the Superbike TT.