Recently, Troy interrupted his 2001 training programme to pay a visit to the AXO leather factory at Istrana, near Treviso in Northern Italy.

Troy was helicoptered to the factory by AXO's top brass in order to sort out a few details with his 2001 set of leathers.

In the recent SBK tests at Valencia, Spain, Troy felt that some modifications were required and, after speaking to AXO, it was decided that the best course of action was for Troy to visit the design and manufacturing department so that the 2001 season could be started with Troy wearing the highest quality set of leathers, and one that would provide him with the protection he deserves.