In Emperor Napoleon's army to belong to the Old Guard was the highest honour. It consisted of the most experienced, the most skilled and seasoned veterans of the Emperor's many campaigns.
Here we have two definite contenders for the TT's 'Old Guard' showing that experience counts above all else at the TT and maturity is no bar to success.
John McGuinness (#1, Honda) has 21 TT victories to his name and a seemingly endless list of records. Bruce Anstey (#5, Padgett's Honda) has 9 wins on the Mountain Course and, in 2014, became the absolute TT lap record holder at 132.298mph.
Watch out for the Old Guard, there's always something in reserve!