PBM Kawasaki’s Ian Hutchinson took a strong second place in today’s RST Superbike TT on the Isle of Man and warned he is only going to get stronger as race week goes on.

Hutchinson has come back from career-threatening leg injuries to top the practice timesheet and led for more than half of today’s outing but just didn’t quite have the pace to stay with winner Bruce Anstey.

“I got away good at the beginning of the race and tried to settle into the race as best I could. I was happy with my pace and it was all going well but by the fourth lap, Bruce began to increase his pace just as mine dropped off a bit. The rain flags were also out at Crony-y-Voddy and Kirk Michael and when you’ve had 30 operations like I’ve had and you’re on a 200mph Superbike, it makes you think a bit,” said Hutchinson, speaking after the race.

“I’m really happy to be on the podium though and it’s the first time I’ve been running competitively at the front in five years so I’ve got to be pleased. The team’s on top of everything, the bike’s superb and I’m only going to get stronger. Bruce deserves a Superbike win as he’s been coming here for about 50 years!”