Leading road racers launch 2014 Isle of Man TT races

Many of the world's leading road racers, including John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, have helped to launch the 2014 TT races in the Isle of Man.

The riders took part in a karting competition, won by Manx racer Gavin Hunt, before the official launch at the Villa Marina in Douglas.

Twenty-time TT winner McGuinness said: "Racing at the TT is the best feeling in the world - I can't wait."

This year's event runs from the 24 May - 6 June.

Ian Hutchinson, who became the first man in history to win all five solo races in 2010, will compete at this year's event.

Just three months after his five-timer at the TT, Hutchinson suffered serious leg injuries in a high-speed crash at Silverstone, and later described the day as the "worst of his life".

He said at this year's launch: "I want the challenge for wins after what happened with my leg. I want to win again here."

Many of the leading teams were also represented at the launch events.

This year, Prodigy front man Keith Flint is bringing his Team Traction Control to compete at what he described as the "greatest race in the world".

"It's the biggest race in the world on two or possibly even four wheels," he said.

Michael Dunlop, who won four solo races in 2013, was also in attendance, as was TT zero winner Michael Rutter.