Isle of Man

Although the Manx Grand Prix motorcycle racing action is now finished, it's not the end of the 2010 Manx Grand Prix Festival as the Classic Two Day trial takes place over the weekend of the 4th and 5th September.

The meeting is part of the newly branded Manx Grand Prix festival that also includes the Manx Grand Prix, the Two Day Trial and the Vintage Motorcycle Club events.

The motorcycling event has been described, by riders and spectators alike, as the best trial of its type in Europe. The course takes in some of the most spectacular scenery on the Isle of Man.

This year there's a bumper entry of more than 200 riders for the 14th Annual Manx Classic Weekend Trial. Competitors have travelled from as far away as Australia, the USA, South Africa, Italy, France and Germany and famous names include former TT winner Mick Grant, Grand Prix winner Buddy Yeardsley and three times Classic Trial winner John Maxfield.

Other former winners include Roy ‘Ago' Wilson, Dave Thorpe, Peter Salt, Kevin Chapman but the undoubted favourite is local star Juan Knight, riding a Triumph Cub, who now qualifies for the Premier Award as he is over 35.

The leading 40 or so motorcycle riders away each day will be on relatively modern twinshock machines, but the remainder of the 207 entered are on classic bikes.

The classic bikes are an enthusiast's dream with BSA's, Ariels, Triumph's, Greeves' and Matchless machines making an appearance. Many of them have been totally restored to their former glory and in many cases are more competitive now than they were in their heyday.

The ‘Premier' sections are for those riders who like a challenge and the ‘Clubman' sections for those who just want an enjoyable weekend's sport.

With approximately 40 miles each day, Saturday's activity takes place in the South of the Island, going close to the magnificent coastal scenery at Cronk ny Arrey Laa.

Saturday's route starts at the St John's Car Park close to Tynwald Hill, the site of the Island's ancient parliament, with the first competitor leaving at around 8.30am and expected to finish at around 3pm at Douglas Rugby Club.

Sunday's route explores the famous mountain region at Snaefell. Most of the sections are spectator-friendly with many parts easily accessible. The motorcycle riders will start from the famous TT grandstand on Glencrutchery Road, with riders setting off down pit lane from around 8am.