I refer of course to the keenly contested Isle of Man TT with many races involving conventional two wheel motorbikes and sidecars. As you can already guess I profess no technical knowledge of motorbikes and will be the first to admit I have limited knowledge of the mechanics and technical aspects of the sport of motor racing. Yet I fully appreciate the effort and sacrifice of the teams and riders involved.

The 37.733 mile TT course is arguably the most demanding and testing in the world of road racing and the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) event attracts riders and spectators from across the globe with competitors from Britain, Ireland and New Zealand pre-eminent this time around. I have thoroughly enjoyed the exceptional television coverage of ITV4 with its commentary team of Steve Parrish, James Whitham, injured rider Ian Hutchinson (who amazingly, is well on the road to recovery and competing again after a horrendous crash last September) and Craig Doyle (usually Mr Rugby Union).

What has struck me the most are the riders. They are to all intents and purposes superstars of their field, the best road racers in the world yet still manage to keep their feet on the ground behaving like everymen. Many have full time jobs and are grafters who thrive on the challenge of road racing in their free time.

These honest, modest, have a go heroes have engaging personalities and appeal to a wide audience because they connect with their fans and remain down to earth. Because of this they are fully deserving of our admiration and respect.

I have watched on the edge of my seat riders such as: Brothers Michael and William Dunlop, winner of seventeen TT races John McGuinness (at the time of writing), Guy Martin (of TT3D and BBC’s The Boat That Guy Built fame), Keith Amor, Bruce Anstey, Cameron Donald, Gary Johnson, Michael Rutter and Conor Cummins. Not one of them (and apologies to those I have omitted to mention) has exhibited any arrogance or ego.

Despite the demanding nature both physically and mentally of the course and the cruel unforgiving nature of the sport with mechanical failure, oil slicks, wet weather and many other variables that can upset so much preparation I have not seen one hissy fit or any finger pointing or excuses that so often happen in other sports.

These guys are the true successors of legends Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood and Joey Dunlop: immensely talented yet also humble, unassuming and exceptionally well behaved.

All I can say that not only has the action been a joy to watch but the behaviour of the participants has really impressed me. If you want to see an example of Corinthian Spirit just tune in to The Isle of Mann TT on ITV4. It has made my weeknights more bearable and is the perfect antidote to watching twenty two millionaires having a kick around!