Daniel McCanney is determined to defend his lead in the ACU British Enduro Championship when it returns to the island this weekend.

Promoted by Southern MCC, the uniquely-titled Manduro will start and finish both days at the TT Grandstand.

The hub of the event is the club’s own land at Carnagrie, on the south side of Slieau Whallian.

The 30-mile loop will include two special tests per lap, ridden and timed every lap with the same tests both days.

Main fuelling point and time check will be located at Carnagrie, along with the cross-country special test ridden every lap.

The second test will be at Magnetic Hill, off Ronague Road, and will be a mix of cross-country and technical plantation in Earystane.

The tight check is Cringle to South Barrule, ending at the quarry. Spectators can park at Ape Mann and walk up the quarry road.

There will be refreshments and public conveniences at Carnagrie and at Earystane.

Series leader McCanney goes into the weekend as clear favourite on his Gas Gas UK mount, but Tom Sagar will be determined to go one better after being runner-up to the Manxman in the last three rounds. Former junior world champion Jack Edmondson will also be hoping to close in on McCanney, along with a handful more.

With David Knight riding the Bosnia Days of Revenge Hard Enduro, the only other local in the championship class is Jed Etchells of Braaid on the MPS Sherco, who will be hoping for some good points on home territory.

Young Max Ingham of Greeba could be among the leading riders in the expert class on his 125 Yamaha, while Centre road race champion Ryan Cringle could be one to watch on the ex-Daniel McCanney Husqvarna in Expert E2. The rapid conditions should suit him.

Craig Norrey is another local likely to shine in that category, along with the on-form Grant Thomson, while Chris Madigan will be aiming to bounce straight back from a six-month ban.

Will Duggan, Thomas Knight, Jack Collins, Richard Curphey, Peter Kermeen, Jamie Cringle, Matthew Skillen and Tom Dawson are among the locals entered for the large Clubman class.

Juan Knight has to start as favourite in the over-40s, but fellow Manxie Russell Millward is unlikely to be a starter after suffering a collarbone injury in a recent three-day event in the Dordogne. Gary Flowers is down to ride the over-50s on a Sherco.

l See website www.southernmcc.com for the event programme.

l Marshals can email [email protected] and sign on at the TT Grandstand after work this Friday. All marshals will receive a goodie bag.

Please no following the route unless signed on. Unofficially following the event jeopardises the use of land for future events.

l Signing-on and machine examination takes place on Friday between 4pm and 9.30pm at the TT Grandstand.

The first riders will set off from Douglas at 9.30am on Saturday and then 9am on Sunday.