support instead of focusing on religion or other problems."

As a man who competes with a crash helmet on, Rea is not one of our most recognisable sport stars, despite his unprecedented success.

Indeed, he admitted that he is probably better known in Bologna than Belfast.

"Superbikes in the UK is not really popular, it's not a mainstream sport," he said.

"In Italy, it's on terrestrial TV all the time and the big sport papers have pages of coverage.

"So landing in a place like Bologna airport is quite something.

"It's not like the paparazzi mobbing Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, but you are recognised and asked for your autograph."

Rea said he enjoys competing with fellow Northern Ireland superbike racer Eugene Laverty.

The pair are good friends, and started off together as raw, 14-year-oldwould-be bikers.

They both won places in an X Factor-style competition for new riders, and Rea admitted that neither was quite ready for the wider world.

"Me and Eugene were dumb and dumber back then," he said.

"We had a great time, though."

Rea also recalled how his career almost ended before it began after he broke his femur during an accident as a 17-year-old in 2004.

"I broke it so badly the doctors told me I would never race again.

"I went into turn one on a Scottish track and my brakes completely failed while I was racing at 160mph. I didn't get knocked out but I wish I could have been because I was in a world of pain.

"The doctor at the track said I had broken my femur. I was thinking: