Sally Bly caught up with the 2011 double TT winner at last winter’s NEC Bike Show in Birmingham.

How did you feel when approached to assist in the promotion of TT 2011?

I was delighted to be a guest for the show’s special TT day to promote the Mountain Course Centenary TT. Being involved with the large crowds and racing enthusiasts has been brilliant.

What a dream year for you, two TT victories and also a Southern 100 Championship win; certainly your happiness on the TT podium showed how much a win on the Mountain Course meant to you. How did you feeling when you realised you had finally achieved that first TT win?

A TT win meant a lot to me, even more than my World Championship victory of 2001. I have tried so hard to achieve a TT victory over the last few years and in all fairness without Dan Sayle my passenger in 2010, my two victories would not have been possible. Having competed in the TT on six occasions, I now also have a lot of supporters and sponsors on the Isle of Man including Manx Gas and my best friend Andy Faragher. I could not have won the two TTs and the Southern 100 Championship without their support. For a racer like myself it is the best feeling ever to win a World Championship and a TT and i am now one of a very privileged group of drivers who have achieved both these feats.

How were your victories received by your fans in Europe?

I think that my victories were very good advertising for the TT in my home country of Austria and also in Germany and Switzerland. I now believe that many more people are interested in the event. I have been asked to visit a number of motor shows during the winter and so I’ve been able tell everyone what a great place the Isle of Man is and of course that they should visit the TT!

Off track how do you build up your fitness and stamina for those long, mentally and physically demanding laps of the Isle of Man?

In the winter months I go running and to the gym to keep my body fit for those long practice and racing laps.

How do you prepare for the TT on track, no doubt you will be racing in Europe prior to TT 2011?

Yes, I am looking forward to my first race of 2011 which will be a German Championship race at Lausitz.

What are your team plans for TT 2011?

In 2011 I will be in the Manx Gas Racing Team on an LCR Honda outfit which will be sponsored by A&J Groundworks, Manx Telecom, Manx Gas and obviously m own money as well. I am also looking forward to renewing my partnership with Daniel Sayle – a brilliant passenger.

Many thanks for your time Klaus; we all wish you another very happy, successful and safe TT in 2011.

Thanks, it’s been a pleasure to talk to you