Peter Hickman's 2025 Isle of Man TT Crash: A Long Road to Recovery
Peter Hickman, a 14-time Isle of Man TT champion, has opened up about the lingering impact of his severe crash during the 2025 event. The incident, caused by a malfunctioning exhaust mounting bracket, resulted in multiple injuries.
Despite his return to racing in the final rounds of the 2025 British Superbike season and the Macau Grand Prix, Hickman's right shoulder nerve damage continues to be a challenge. During an interview on the Full Chat podcast, he explained the physical limitations it imposes on his riding style.
"On the bike, you'll notice my tucked-in elbow in recent BSB and Macau photos," Hickman said. "This is not the ideal riding position. I can't extend my elbow properly, so I'm making adjustments in my riding technique. Interestingly, my speed hasn't been significantly affected.
In Macau, I was only 0.2 seconds off my record lap time, which was faster than I anticipated. However, my muscles are burning out too quickly. They aren't designed for the demands I place on them. During the 12-lap Macau race, I was struggling to maintain pace after just six laps.
Hickman is determined to improve this issue during the winter months, hoping for positive news regarding nerve regeneration. He acknowledges that nerve damage recovery takes time, often measured in years, not months.
Despite the challenges, Hickman is focused on his 2026 racing plans. He aims to join the PHR Performance team in the new World Sportbike series and is confident in the 8TEN Racing venture, co-owned with Davey Todd. The team has secured support from BMW and sponsors like Monster Energy, setting its sights on the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, and Macau Grand Prix, with aspirations of a stronger showing in the British Superbike Championship.
