Approximately 250 competitors from all parts of the British Isles are poised to take on the Manx National Two-Day Trial this weekend.

The solo entry is 225 (plus a handful of reserves), while the sidecar entry is well-below capacity at 19.

At the time of going to press last evening, the biggest concern for the event organisers was the clash with the World Cup Final on Sunday afternoon if England were to make it through the semi-final with Croatia.

The big problem would be the potential lack of marshals and observers in the final couple of hours of the trial.

The first riders get underway at 8am on Saturday, leaving Douglas Rugby Club to set out on the separate routes for solo and sidecar competitors.

The solos are set to cover approximately 80 miles and 80 observed sections over the weekend, with the chairs tackling a slightly shorter route of 60 miles containing 75 sections.

Early solo groups on day one include Glen Lough (8.10 for the early riders), Old Stoney Mountain Quarry (9.15), South Barrule Quatty (10am) and Ballaspit (11.25). The total field will take around two hours to go through each venue.

Following the lunch stop at Carnagrie, the route takes competitors through Glen Rushen Gulley (1pm), down the Sloc (1.20) and onto the south coast with groups at Pooil Vaaish (2.30) and nearby Scarlett (3.25), finishing with two spectator-friendly sections in Castletown on the beach and directly in the town square (from 4pm).

The sidecars head north first, with early locations including Bim’s Field, alongside Sir George’s Bridge (8.25am), Injebreck Gulley (10am) and Tholt-y-Will Plantation (10.50). The reverse loop will include Snaefell Mines (midday), Conrhenny Plantation (2.10pm) and Larkhill, Abbeylands (2.50).

On Sunday the solos head inland to Ballavitchell and Kings Forest, near Greeba Castle (8.35am), then West Baldwin (10am) and other groups including Ballachrink (10.40), Windy Corner track and gulley (12.05pm), Agneash Mines (1pm), Axnfell Plantation, near Laxey (2.10pm), Sir George’s Bridge Quarry (3.20) and Knock Froy (3.30).

The sidecar route on Sunday will include Glen Lough, Glen Vine (8.10am), Old Stoney Mountain Quarry (9.23), Cringle Quarry (10.10) and Ballarock (11.15), heading farther south to Pooil Vaaish (12.15pm), Billown Glen (1.20) and eventually to Knock Froy around 3 o’clock for the final four sections.

Andreas man Barry Kinley will be bidding for a hat-trick of wins, having taken the solo honours in 2016 and 2017, but he will have strong opposition from fellow locals and former winners Josh Brain and Juan Knight in the expert class.

The Clubman class remains wide open as usual with a number of riders in position to take the laurels, including 2017 winner Nigel Crowther of West Leeds MC on the Vertigo. Joe Yeardsley is likely to be the main local threat there. They start at either ends of the field.

The local pairing of Nigel Crellin and Chris Molyneux start as clear favourites in the sidecar class. They have won the last three editions of the event on the bounce.

Current British championship leaders, Olly Lace and Ealish Baxter, will be aiming for a podium place, as will Nigel and Gracie-May Scott who currently lead the intermediate class of the same championship.

l Riders and observers signing on will take place on Friday evening at Douglas Rugby Club, close to Quarter Bridge on the TT Course.

Anyone who may be available to assist with observing (especially on Sunday afternoon), would they please contact the organisers via the Facebook page, phone Ralph or Lisa Mooney, the observer managers, on 328816/499046, or via email on [email protected]

l The weekend is completed by the presentation of awards on Sunday evening at the Palace Hotel, from 8pm.

l For further information relating to the trial go to www.manx2day.co.uk