Hickman edges out McWilliams in Supertwin opener

Peter Hickman edged out Jeremy McWilliams to take victory in a thrilling opening Supertwins/Sportbike race at the North West 200 on Saturday. The Swan Racing Yamaha R7 rider executed the decisive pass at the Juniper Hill chicane on the final circuit of four to take the fifth North West win of his career and his third in the Twins class following his double in 2024. The Lincolnshire rider had 0.

46 seconds to spare over McWilliams, who led for the duration of the race until Hickman hit the front when it mattered. The pair were involved in an exhilarating dual at the front, with Alastair Seeley holding off Paul Jordan to secure the final rostrum position. Jordan recovered ground after overshooting at University Corner on the first lap, posting the fastest lap of the race at 112.

231mph in taking fourth spot. Yorkshire's Jamie Coward was fifth on his Milenco by Padgett's Paton, with Christian Elin completing the top six. Hickman moves to within two of Richard Cooper's record of five Supertwin race triumphs with his victory.

McWilliams also has three wins in the class.