Macau Grand Prix – Ian Hutchison Makes Triumphant Return To Racing

Cycle News Staff | November 17, 2013

Perhaps the comeback story of the year comes from this year’s 47th running of the Macau Grand Prix where Ian Hutchison bested the favored Michael Rutter for the win after an 18 month absence from racing.

Hutchison was sidelined after last year’s Isle of Man TT to try and recover from a near career-ending leg injury – compound fractures to his left lower leg from a multi-rider crash in a British Supersport race at Silverstone in 2010. Since then it has been an on-going battle for Hutchison, with the Brit undergoing a total of 30 operations to repair the leg.

But finally – with only few tests before Macau – Hutchison threw his leg back over the Milwaukee Yamaha in competition. In spite of a slow start from pole that had him in fourth, Hutchison recovered, passing John McGuinness and Gary Johnson. Hutchison then set his sights on Rutter and took the lead with a firm pass into R Bend. Then he immediately opened a gap.

In the end Rutter got caught up in traffic in what turned out to be the final lap of a shortened race. The race was red flagged as a result of Dean Harrison’s crash that left his bike on the racing line, denying Rutter the opportunity to try and challenge Hutchison for what could’ve been a record-setting ninth victory.

“It’s probably one of the most special wins I’ve ever had with what’s gone on in the last few years, but hopefully now I can move on to carrying on back where I left off three years ago,” said Hutchinson.

Johnson finished ahead of TT legend John McGuinesss to round out the podium in third.

And Americans Jeremy Toye and Mark Miller finished sixth and 11th, respectively.

2013 Macau Grand Prix Results

1. Ian Hutchison

2. Micahel Rutter

3. Gary Johnson

4. John McGuinness

5. James Storrar

6. Jeremy Toye

7. Martin Jessopp

8. Didier Grams

9. Lee Johnston

10. Stephen Thompson