MOTORCYCLISTS were today resuming solo practice sessions for the Isle of Man Tourist Trials races without Yorkshire star David Jefferies, who was killed in an horrific crash yesterday afternoon.

Nine-time winner Jefferies, a regular at the Oliver's Mount track at Scarborough, had been favourite to collect all three titles at TT when racing began tomorrow.

But the 30-year-old, the first rider ever to win three titles at three consecutive championships, lost control of his 1000cc Temple Auto Salvage GSXR Suzuki motorbike at Crosby on the second lap of practice and died of his injuries.

He had completed his first lap at 125mph, a statement by the Auto Cycling Union said.

Solo practising was immediately suspended but the session was due to resume with Formula One riders today.

Jefferies, the course record holder, was considered favourite to retain the three titles he won in 2002. Before the week-long practice began on Sunday, he said he was hoping to break the 200mph barrier on parts of the public roads circuit.

Jefferies, known as 'DJ' had begun riding motorbikes at the age of seven before progressing through the ranks, taking part in his first senior road race in 1990, aged 18.

He went on to race around the world and had dominated the TT races over the past four years.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, May 30, 2003