PICS:IOMTT
Rewind to June 2010. Ian Hutchinson and Padgetts had just achieved the extraordinary, claiming a record-breaking five out of five ‘big-bike’ victories on Mona’s Isle. Continuing the dreamy partnership post-TT in British supersport, Hutchy had qualified in an unlucky 13th position and was involved in a multi-bike crash during the first lap in horrendous conditions that saw him being run over by another bike, suffering sickening compound fractures.
Initially, there were fears he’d never even walk again, or worse. The intensity of the damage put his whole left leg in mortal danger – it probably would have been amputated on anyone else. But for Hutchinson this was never an option. After numerous operations (30 to be precise), delicate surgery, external fixators and years of frustration that involved several setbacks, Hutchy’s demolished fibula eventually succumbed to the abuse it faced and was removed altogether. But that hasn’t halted the 36-year-old Yorkshireman from making one of the most remarkable comebacks in history.