PETE & DEAN ARE SUMMIT SPECIAL FOR RACE WEEK

ISLE OF MAN TT big-hitters Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison will resume battle on the famous Mountain Course today as race week begins.

Outright lap record-holder Hickman will go head-to-head with reigning Senior winner Harrison as the action kicks off with the opening Superbike race at noon.

But the pair could also come under pressure from up-and-coming star Davey Todd, who topped the opening day timesheets and has been banging in the fast laps all through practice week.

BMW rider Hickman – who does not tend to show his hand until race day – has been consistently fastest and goes into race week as favourite.

Hickman (top, left) said: “It’s been a fast week and it’s funny, everyone said it was going to be slow because we hadn’t been here for three years but I said, ‘B ******* , why would it be?’

“My first lap was a 124mph which was good but everyone is quick.

“This is the TT and anything can happen. We’re more than capable, but nothing is ever a definite.”

Harrison (top, right), meanwhile, remained calm and collected last night ahead of the opening race.

The Kawasaki man – who is traditionally quickest in all practice week – has only topped the timesheets once.

He said: “You normally go a bit quicker in the race than during the week and I think I can, I think we’ve definitely got a bit left yet but I’m ready to go. I was ready to go a week ago. Let’s have it.”

Milenco by Padgetts Honda rider Todd, who is still a relative newcomer in just this third TT, admitted: “I’m not here for glory, for results, I’m still learning.

“A win isn’t in our plan, it’s about getting more experience. But if it comes, we won’t say no.”