2019 TT winner diagnosed with chronic inflammatory disease

Lee Johnston says he will continue racing this year

A previous TT winner has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.

Lee Johnston is being treated for the disease, which is a type of arthritis that affects the joints of the spine long-term.

Johnston, who won the Isle of Man TT Supersport class back in 2019, made the announcement on his YouTube vlog, saying he will be required to take injections for the rest of his life.

However, the 32-year-old is adamant he is going to continue competing this year. 

In his vlog he went on to say he's going to play 2021 by ear but hopes he can get the disease under control properly and stay positive going forward.