As half the riders had already started, Lin Yan stood up from his chair, feeling hungry after such a significant physical exertion.
Zhang Mingzhi and the others had eaten lunch, but Lin Yan hadn't. Before a race, riders typically only had simple and light energy supplements. After such a demanding effort, he was famished.
Glancing at the race unfolding before him, the riders were performing well, especially rider number 12, who was nearly catching up to the rider ahead.
However, Lin Yan observed rider number 12's riding style and found it somewhat extreme. Nevertheless, he didn't pay it much mind.
After all, his own riding style could be quite extreme at times, and it was normal to take aggressive lines when possessing sufficient skill.
The rider ahead of number 12, on the other hand, was of rather average ability.
Apart from a few particularly outstanding riders, there was nothing else to capture his attention. Lin Yan simply asked the chef to reheat the lunch dishes and began eating at a nearby table.
He'd make do for now and have a proper meal back at the hotel tonight.
Meanwhile, on the track, the riders had reached the Qiao Yi section. Ye Xiang's number 12 bike was only five seconds behind the rider in front. While his speed was undeniable, the primary reason was that the rider ahead was simply too slow.
The spectators hadn't left either, continuing to watch the race. This was why the organizers had scheduled the highest category to race first.
Compared to the speed of the top category, the 600cc class was noticeably slower. Due to the lack of long straights, the top speeds didn't even reach 300 km/h.
Thanks to Lin Yan's previous championship win, the Chinese fans in the crowd were brimming with enthusiasm, cheering Ye Xiang on.
With the roar of the powerful engines, the riders entered the next section, the Ramsey hairpin.
On this part of the track, all riders were exceptionally cautious, trying to avoid violent shaking of their bikes.
At this moment, the rider in front of Ye Xiang nearly low-sided just as he entered the corner, but thankfully, he managed to slow down and stabilize the bike.
As he decelerated, the gap between them narrowed to just one second.
The uphill section of the Ramsey hairpin had significant undulations, but Ye Xiang was still aggressively applying the throttle.
The bike was shaking violently.
The spectators watching were also concerned by the violent shaking of Ye Xiang's bike.
"Isn't he pushing a bit too hard!"
Hao Dong commented in the live broadcast, admitting that he strongly disapproved of Ye Xiang's current riding.
Although Lin Yan's bike also shook when he rode this section, Lin Yan would try his best to avoid the more uneven parts of the road, even if it cost him a little time.
However, the number 12 rider, in order to save time, was completely disregarding it, charging straight through.
"This... this is crazier than the Horse King!"
"What are you bragging about upstairs? The Horse King wasn't this weak!"
"I'm scared just watching..."
"Seriously, the rider in front is just too slow."
Compared to Lin Yan's throttle control, which was violent yet somewhat smooth, Ye Xiang's was even more frenzied.
He was desperate to win. Only by overtaking the rider ahead could he have a chance to qualify for the main race.
By the time they reached the top of the hill, the gap between them had shrunk to 0.4 seconds, about the length of one bike.
What followed was the downhill section, which was far more dangerous than the uphill part.
At this point, Ye Xiang's Yamaha R6's front wheel was almost touching the rear wheel of the bike in front.
Ahead was a small steep slope, followed by a long straight, a perfect spot for overtaking.
Just as Ye Xiang was about to catch up to the rider in front, something unexpected happened.
Perhaps it was the pressure from the pursuing Yamaha R6, but the rider ahead braked too late, failed to stop in time, and suddenly low-sided, falling heavily to the ground with the rider being thrown off.
Ye Xiang, seeing this, was startled. His arms instinctively tried to steer the handlebars to maneuver around, but as he exerted force, his right arm suddenly ached, causing his movement to falter.
This slight delay meant he missed the optimal moment.
Furthermore, the two bikes were too close, and it was too late to brake.
The Yamaha R6 went straight over the fallen rider's body. Due to the high speed, the Yamaha R1 flew into the air, then landed and low-sided onto the ground, throwing Ye Xiang off his bike.
The spectators in the grandstand erupted in a collective gasp, the scene spiraling out of control.
At that moment, Lin Yan was still eating, watching the race as he did.
However, just then, the helicopter that had flown far away suddenly returned, and a muffled bell toll sounded again on the Isle of Man.
Two. This was the outcome Lin Yan least wanted to see.
...........................................
ps: Thanks to the great god certification from the great god "Wo Gou Zhu Zhan Shen Wo"!!!
Brother Gou is awesome!!! Brother Gou is mighty!!!
My Brother Gou is much more handsome than Lin Yan ∞
Let's go!