So nearly for Rutter as Pirelli Shod Electric Bike nudges the magic 100mph at the Isle of Man TT

Pirelli BSB star Michael Rutter took his Segway MotoCzysz machine to an Electric bike record 99.6mph lap, just missing out on a £10,000 award for the first triple figure lap, at the Isle of Man TT today. His team-mate Mark Miller made it a Pirelli 1-2 in this innovative race event. Michael, who choose a Pirelli Diablo Superbike ‘slick’ rear and Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa treaded front tyre, remarked, “99.6mph, that’s the story of my life! I tried to conserve battery life and stay smooth, it’s a totally different way of riding but I really enjoyed it. We only saw the bike on Wednesday, so I think if we had more time there would be more to come set-up wise.” The win caps a great day on the Island for Pirelli after they won the Supersport TT at the hands of Gary Johnson. The MotoCzysz machine also hit an impressive 149.5mph on the Sulby Speed Trap at the hands of Rutter, who is more used to his 200mph Riders Bathams Ducati which he runs on Pirelli tyres in both the TT and British Superbike Championship. Pirelli tyres were chosen by the majority of the grid as their steel belt construction is renowned for their low rolling resistance, essential in this power sapping electric race. Jason Griffiths, Pirelli Racing Manager, added, "Michael is a wily old fox and I know he will be gutted to have missed the 100mph but he looked like he really enjoyed it and logged another TT win! This new technology is so interesting to bike manufacturers and indeed our engineers are also intrigued back at the factory.”