The build-up to TT 2019 kicks up a notch this evening with the official launch night at the Villa Marina.

A host of riders from will appear on stage from 8pm giving their thoughts ahead of this year’s event.

Refresh this page for the latest news and photos from the evening or follow our social media channels @iomsportsdesk.-------------First on stage Peter Hickman, the only man to lap the Mountain Course at a 135mph average.Hickman will remain with the Smiths Racing team this year after a fantastic 2018.Reflecting on his record-breaking lap on his way to a dramatic Senior TT victory, Hickman said: 'It looks more dramatic from outside than the bike than when you're actually riding it.'Looking ahead to 2019 with a new BMW bike Hickman added: 'It's going to be really exciting - I'm not going to let myself too excited though as there is always a lot of hard work with a new bike. I've got a great team and great people round my though which always helps.'Hickman also confirms he'll ride the Norton Superlight in the Lightweight race.-------------Ramsey rocket Conor Cummins gets a big round of applause on his way to the stage.Talking about his chances of claiming an elusive first TT win, Conor said: 'I've been trying for so long. I'll turn up on the day and try my best. The reality is the pace is going up and up, but I'll keep chipping away. I've been studying sectors and on-boards to see where I can pick me heels up a bit.''I had a great last year and hopefully I'll go quicker again this year. Padgett's is by far the best team I've ridden for. Every bike I throw my leg over of theirs I know it will be quick.'-------------Honda Racing team-mates Ian Hutchinson and David Johnson are next on stage.Talking about his on-going return to full fitness, Hutchy said: 'I'm still doing leg sessions, but I've been riding on a bike throughout the winter and I'm feeling good. I only got the frame off my leg a few weeks before last year's TT and ended up coming over here a pootling about and pulling in a couple of times - not what I want to be doing when I compete here.'Looking ahead the Bingley Bullet added: 'I'm probably not the most liked person at Honda as I've been talking to them constantly about the bike! To be fair they've listened and the bike is definitely going in the right direction.'New team-mate Johnson added: 'I had a few options, but I'm looking forward to getting onto the bike. We saw with Conor's results last year what it can do.'-------------Attentions turn to three-wheels now and Dave Molyneux and new passenger Harry Payne.Moly has a new LCR chassis this year, the first bike he hasn't built since 1991: '70 per cent of the grid are on this type of chassis so of course it is going to evolve quicker than my bikes which only about three per cent of the field are on.'The pace is ballistic, but I'm ready for the challenge, so is the bike and so is Harry. I've put my own stamp on the bike and I'm really looking forward to racing it.' Payne returns for his second TT after pairing with Michael Jackson last season: 'We did alright for two young lads last year and really I'm looking forward to this year's challenge.'-------------Lee Johnston will be enjoying his first campaign with his new team Ashcourt Racing: 'I'll be riding BMWs in the three main solo classes plus a KMR Kawasaki in the Lightweight TT.'-------------Young guns Derek McGee and Davey Todd next up.McGee: 'Looking forward to getting going after a good year in 2018. Everything just clicked in practice.'Last year's fastest newcomer Todd will ride for Penz Racing in the big bike classes, Paggett's in the Supersport classes and Norton in the Lightweight TT.Reflecting on his impressive Mountain Course debut he added: 'It was so far beyond any of my expectations. I didn't want to set a goal, I just wanted to keep progressing and get quicker every lap. Luckily that was what happened.'-------------Dean Harrison is back with Silicone Engineering team for another season, hoping to build on his two TT wins.'I'll be putting 110 per cent in again this year to try and land the big bike win, but to be honest I don't know how I can go much quicker - I might ask for some tips!?''I've been working really hard in the gym over winter. I feel a lot more up for everything this year than I have in the past. Everything is going well.'-------------Gary Johnson is with the Lee Hardy Racing team for a second season: 'I'm happy with the team and we've just come back from a good few days testing at the BSB test. Roll on the TT.''The team has given me everything I've asked for and it's a really good package.'Johnson, who will also be riding for KMR Kawasaki in the Lightweight TT, added: 'I've got four strong motorcycles that I can win races on.'-------------With 60 international road race wins between them John McGuinness and Michael Rutter are next on stage.McGuinness: 'I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also apprehensive after being away for a couple of years.'The 23-time winner will ride for Norton in the big bike and Supertwin classes as well as Mugen in the TT Zero. He added: 'I've also got my entry in for a 600, but haven't got a bike yet so if anyone has one spare let me know!''I've got to think I'm still capable of winning, the lap times last year were stunning. If it all comes together there's a possibility of a podium on the big bikes. I just want to ride and enjoy it.'Rutter celebrates his 25th year at the event his year: 'I'm looking forward to a 10th year with Bathams and a 30th year in racing.'-------------James Hillier returns for an 11th season with Bournemouth Kawasaki: 'For a spectator it's a great time to watch the TT with the races being so close, but for a rider it's probably one of the hardest times.'This off-season has dragged a bit, but it all starts becoming a bit real again after today.'-------------Back to three wheels and it's sidecar lap record holders Ben and Tom Birchall. Reflecting on eight TT wins in only 16 races Ben said: 'Consistency has probably been our strength over the years.'Passenger Tom added: 'We're really busy building bikes, not just for ourselves, but for other people at the TT and in the World Championship as well.'Can they become the first sidecar outfit to lap at 120mph? Ben said: 'There's no way that you can learn all of the Mountain Course, so you learn a bit more each year and probably go quicker as a result so we'll see. There's always bits bobs you can look at.'-------------18-time TT winner Michael Dunlop rounds off the evening, reflecting on a second season with Tyco BMW.'The bike has been a bit late coming, but the boys are working hard to get it ready for testing. 'I'm going to run my own 'Stock bike, 600 and lightweight as well.''I think there's a lot more to come from me. Probably last year I didn't perform to the ability I personally think I can - I think there's a lot more in the tank.'-------------More in Thursday's Manx Independent, with only 66 days to go till first practice.