Bruce Anstey is unable to commit to a return to the TT in 2020 at this stage, but he will definitely be back for the Classic TT in late August.

Interviewed by Steve Plater at Motorcycle Live recently, the ever-popular Kiwi said that his fitness was ’getting there slowly’ but the biggest thing was still the tiredness.

’It was awesome to win on the 250 at the Classic, it was the perfect bike to come back on,’ admitted Bruce.

’As for next year’s TT, I’m not sure yet. I want to be strong and fit enough to ride. I don’t want to be wobbling around at the back of the field, I want to be up at the sharp end.

’So, I’m holding off with the TT at the moment. I’m not a spring chicken anymore, I’m 50-odd, and all the stuff I’ve gone through has affected my fitness.

’I won’t be in a position to make a decision until the early next year at least, but if I’m fit enough I’ll be there.’

Anstey did confirm that he would be back for the Classic TT on the 250 and hopefully the 500 Yamaha-4.

conor on crutches

Manxman Conor Cummins agreed that it was amazing to have a man of Anstey’s ability and stature as a team-mate.

’I have such respect for him, he’s incredible. Bruce has always rocked up and managed to be fast, no matter what.’

Cummins has had his own issues in recent weeks after snapping his ankle.

’I was playing around on a Supermoto bike in early October in Belgium when I suffered a bad fracture.

’I underwent an operation at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool where the ankle was pinned and plated, so I’ve not been able to show off my dancing moves lately. It’s a bit of a downer.’

Still walking with the aid of crutches, he confirmed that he will be staying with the Milenco by Padgett’s team for next year: ’I have absolutely no interest in riding anywhere else. Clive Padgett and I shook on it in the winners’ enclosure after the Senior TT this year.

’I’m really excited about the new Honda Fireblade. We think it is going to be a game changer.’

Anstey, who is half Manx, said that his bike choice for the TT [if he did ride] would be a lot more difficult. ’I’d have to choose between the new Fireblade and the RCV. The last time I rode that was at the Ulster Grand Prix, when I won. But the new Fireblade is really good as well.’

+ Michael Dunlop, the entertaining special guest for the inaugural 14 Ball at the Comis Hotel recently, is apparently sorted for next year.

He confirmed on the night that it won’t be Tyco, although he enjoyed his tenure with the team and generally got on better with Phillip Neill than many people thought he would.

A source close to him said yesterday that Dunlop would be with a good team, but remained tight-lipped as to which one. He did, however, confirm that it was not Norton.