TT 2026: Rhys Stephenson targeting steady progress for debut

20-year-old focusing on Sportbike class this summer

One of the latest new talents to head out onto the Snaefell Mountain Course says his main focus is steady progress ahead of his TT debut this year.

Lincolnshire rider, Rhys Stephenson will make his maiden appearance at the racing fortnight this summer for the Rocket Racing team in the Sportbike class.

Having impressed in the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship over the last two years, the 20-year-old is focusing resources this year on making his early mark in road racing.

Speaking on the Startline Podcast, however, Stephenson says this first TT will simply be about learning and building his skills without any pressure:

After first emerging in the British Talent Cup in 2021 where he scored points in 14 of 18 races, Stephenson went on to improve again in 2022 to finish fourth in the overall standings.

Since then, he's gone on to feature in the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship in 2024 and 2025 - in the latter of those years he secured several podium finishes and two pole positions.

For TT 2026, he'll take on the Sportbike category on board the Rocket Racing Aprilia RS660.

You can listen to the full, extended interview on the Startline Podcast HERE.

The 2026 Isle of Man TT Races are scheduled to take place from Monday, 25 May to Saturday, 6 June.