TT preparations underway for riders from Australia and New Zealand

Riders face a 30-hour journey to take part in Island's road races

​With just two weeks to go before the start of the Isle of Man TT races, an Australian rider admits there is always pressure to get strong results.

As the Island gears up to welcome over 50,000 visitors for the event, Manx Radio has spoken to riders from Australian and New Zealand about their preparations for the races.
Davo Johnson, who debuted in 2010, says having to travel over 30 hours to get to the UK can mean his financial expectations are a little higher than other riders from the UK and Europe. 

He will return to the fortnight with Lee Hardy Racing.  

Their journey to the Island involves roughly around 30 hours of travelling. 

Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to Davo Johnson from Adelaide, who admitted his preparations start in the new year: 

New Zealander Mitch Rees may be a newcomer to the TT, but he's a Formula One Superbike champion as well. 

He spoke to Rob Pritchard: 

Meanwhile, motorcycle racing teams are being urged to continue to invest in newcomers.
Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles' squad had two competitors at last week's North West 200.

One of those riders was Mitch Rees of New Zealand who is set to make his Isle of Man TT Races debut with the team later this month.

Previously, 12-time TT winner Bruce Anstey - also of New Zealand - rode for Team Principal Clive Padgett, who's told BBC Sport Northern Ireland they're delighted to have one of the latest talents from that nation on board:

Separately, reigning Senior TT champion Davey Todd is riding for the team in the Supersport class at the North West 200 and TT this year.