TT2014: It's better second time around, says Johnson

Gary Johnson says his magnificent victory for British manufacturer Triumph in the opening Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT topped his maiden Mountain success in 2011.

Johnson and Bruce Anstey fought out a dramatic battle throughout the four-lap race and at the finish they were separated only by four seconds.

"It's a credit to the team," said the Smiths Triumph rider. "This is probably better than the first one and it's great for the Smiths boys. We've had to work so hard on the bike and we've worked a lot with Metzeler, who've given us a really good tyre.

"We had a race-winning combination and it's great for Smiths because they are a small, family-run team who have won British championships and now they've won a TT," he added.

"We swapped engines after practice and the new engine is a little bit stronger, so it makes my job a little bit easier. I had one of the best lads in front of me to chase after and I knew if I could get anywhere near Michael [Dunlop] then I wouldn't be far off."

Rain began to fall on the Mountain section during the third and fourth laps and Johnson admitted he felt the race would be stopped.

"I had a dark visor on and when we were on the Mountain I had trouble with my vision seeing where it was wet. I wanted the race stopped, but I would've done wouldn't I, saying I was leading," he said.

"I ran out of tear-offs and I didn't gel with the wet conditions up there. I started to hold Michael up a bit so I apologise to him but it's another Supersport win and the next one is the Superstock class.

"I seem to be riding okay in that and fingers crossed we'll have a good one and I can have a good successful race," added the 30-year-old.

"We're here and sat on the number one spot and I couldn't be any happier."