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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

North West 200: Jeremy McWilliams hits out at Supertwins cancellation

Veteran racer Jeremy McWilliams hit out at the decision to cancel Thursday night's final race at the North West 200.

McWilliams was one of the favourites for a hotly contested Supertwins class.

But organisers took the decision to pull the race due to deteriorating conditions and time constraints.

Read more: North West 200 results: Alastair Seeley flexes his muscle with dominant double

Persistent rain and lying surface water had hampered Thursday's schedule, with the opening Supersport race red-flagged and restarted over a reduced four-lap format.

Two sighting laps were also offered to riders before each race, causing knock-on delays throughout the evening.

McWilliams - who finished third in the opening Supersport class - believes the Supertwins should have gone ahead.

The 58-year-old told the BBC: "I'm not very happy. We want to go. We want to go right now.

"There's plenty of light here and I'm not sure who doesn't want to go. All the riders I've spoken to all want to go.

"I mean, look, perfect."

He added: "It has stopped raining, it is fine. We want to put a show on and there is a big crowd here. I'm not sure why it has been pulled."

Asked if two Supertwin races could now be held on Saturday, McWilliams said: "That's not going to happen. We are going to run out of time on Saturday. The Stocks race ran for six laps tonight when it should have been four or five.

"It is what it is. It just deprives us of another podium or win."

In a statement, the organisers of the North West said: "Tonight's Milltown Service Station Supertwins race has been cancelled due to deteriorating conditions and a lack of time.

"With failing light and a lot of surface water on the track it would not be possible to complete the two sighting laps and four lap race by 9pm when the roads must be re-opened."

Read more: Jonathan Rea forced to 'park' North West 200 ride out after incredible response

Read more: North West 200: Glenn Irwin to the 'four', but now he wants five and six

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