THE top TT riders are in the Island today (Tuesday) to launch TT 2011.

They were at the Sound this afternoon to give media interviews and for photoshoots and tonight they will be attending a public launch at the Villa Marina in Douglas.

One rider conspicuous by his absence this afternoon was Guy Martin.

Members of his Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team said they did not know where he was, but an isleofman.com source spotted him signing autographs outside Extreme Art and Gadgets in Douglas at the same time the launch was going on.

Eight times TT winner Ian Hutchinson, who won five out of five solo races at the TT last year, was in attendance. He is still recovering from a short circuit accident at the end of last season and the plan is for him to ride for Yamaha this year.

John McGuinness, a 15-times winner at the TT, was also there - 2010 marked the first year for several years he has not been on the podium and he will certainly be out to win again as part of Honda's TT Legends Team.

Michael Dunlop - son of the late TT legend Robert Dunlop and nephew of the late 26-times TT winner Joey Dunlop - said he will be aiming for victory with his Kawasaki machines.

TT winner Michael Rutter aims to ride a Ducati at this year's event, local hero Conor Cummins will be returning following his big crash in the Senior last year and Australian rider Cameron Donald will be riding for Wilson Craig Honda.

There's also a highly competitive sidecar line up this year too and some high profile solo newcomers including British Superbike rider Simon Andrews.

Keep following isleofman.com for all the news about this year's TT.

All photos by John Gregory