The Manx International Classic Trial will again bring the curtain down on the Festival of Motorcycling this weekend.

Now in its 22nd year, the ever-popular event is now ranked in the top-five classic trials in the world.

A full entry of riders on a variety of twinshock and pre-65 machines will compete over the two days.

Saturday comprises a 28-mile route starting from the Southern 100 paddock on the outskirts of Castletown at 8.30am. It will take in a tour of the south and centre of the island including Glen Rushen Gulley and the spectacular rocks at Scarlett involving a total of 32 observed sections split into premier and clubman routes.

Sunday sees an early start with the first riders leaving the main car park at St John’s from 7.45am for a tour north, taking in Ballaugh plantation and the tough Sulby Glen sections at Cluggid during a 35-mile trek.

The event has again attracted riders from across the globe, including South Africa, Andorra, Spain, Australia, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, in addition to the UK and Ireland.

Last year’s pre-65 winner Phil Houghton returns, along with former victor James Harland. Also joining them in the pre-65 class is former World Trials Champion Yrjo Vesterinen. The twinshock class will likely be a battle between locals Graham Christian and Wayne Wardell, Yorkshireman Darren Wasley and Steve Martin on the Majesty Yamaha.

The entry also includes a three former TT winners, from 1970s/1980s star Mick Grant to fellow former Senior winner Steve Plater and in the pre-65 class and Scottish ace Iain Duffus in the twinshock class.

Signing on takes place at the Legion Club on Douglas quayside on Friday from 7.30pm. The weekend concludes with the presentation of awards at the Palace Hotel on Douglas Promenade from 8.30pm on Sunday.

Spectators are welcome and programmes giving details of vantage points and a complete list of riders are available from the Welcome Centre, Road & Track Motorcycles, the TT Grandstand and Ellan Vannin Fuels shops.

Further information is also available at www.manxtrialsclub.com

Spectator vantage points: Saturday - Pooil Vaaish (estimated time of first riders) 8.35am; Sloc Corner (9.20); Glen Rushen Gulley (11am); South Barrule Quarry (11.50); Billown Glen (1.05pm); Scarlett (1.40).

Sunday - Ballig Bridge (7.50am); Cluggid Gate, Sulby Glen (10am); Cronk Garrow (10.20); Tholt-y-Will Plantation (11.10); Druidale Water Splash (11.35); Colden Plantation (12.05pm); Kings Forest (12.40).

l The twinshock class runs at the head of the field both days and the entire field takes approximately four hours to pass through each section.