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The arrival of Valentino Rossi in the Isle of Man for the opening race of this year's TT will bring long lasting kudos to the event.
So says Tourism Minister Martyn Quayle, who reckons the Italian's visit to the Road Racing Capital of the World will in itself attract a new influx of visitors.
Large crowds are expected to salute Rossi when he rides a lap of the mountain course with fellow Italian racing legend Giacomo Agostini, before the Superbikes on June 6.
Rossi's visit has been arranged with the TT's safety partner Dainese and Mr Quayle says this year's festival looks like being one to remember for a very long time:
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