An official update on the condition of sidecar duo Nick Crowe and Mark Cox says their outfit is thought to have collided with a hare, at Ballacob on the approach to Ballaugh during the second TT sidecar race.

Nick, who is 38 and from Jurby, remains in intensive care in a hospital in the United Kingdom, with very serious limb injuries.

Mark, aged 39 and from Rochester in Kent, is said to be 'stable', with serious injuries to his lower limbs.
The media release quotes the partners of the two men and says both will need further operations.

It's issued on behalf of Nick and Mark's families, with the hope it will end speculation about their condition and provide reassurance to concerned friends, racing colleagues and kind well-wishers.

Danny and Gaynor Crowe, Nick's wife and sister, say he is in a serious condition, but the family is encouraged by his awareness when he is awake.

Mark's fiancee, Amanda, says he will require further operations on his left ankle and right hip and will be transferred to a hospital in the United Kingdom next week.

The families say the many messages of support they have received have been a great help for Nick and Mark.

Sincere thanks is being expressed to everybody involved in their care and treatment, but the families are also asking for their privacy to be respected at such a difficult time.