Alexz to defend his Lakes title!

And also once again there's a full house 180 strong entry with a good split between the full National and popular Clubman class.

 

Last year the Lakes made a welcome return to its original Saturday route which took the entry over to Fell Green, Bootle, via Corney Fell and this ride out proved immensely popular.

 

This gives the event two totally different days riding and greatly relieves the pressure  on land used for the Sunday route up and around the Duddon Valley and in the Torver, Broughton in Furness area.

 

This year's course will be very similar to that used in 2012 with the Bootle run on Saturday although we are told that Sunday's long standing route will be run in the reverse direction to give some variation for all concerned.

 

Last year's Lakes saw a Gas Gas 1-2-3 with Alexz Wigg taking victory from  Michael Brown with Sam Haslam third.

 

And this weekend could well see a repeat as all three are back and all three are still on Gassers! 

 

There's plenty of opposition though  including fellow GG riders Dan Thorpe and Ben Morphett.

 

Ossa importer Nigel Birkett's base is in Broughton of course and he'll be hoping that Jonathan Richardson takes the Premier as he warms up for his favourite event coming up next weekend - The Scott.

 

Fellow Ossa rider James Carr comes fresh off an East Yorks Two Day win and another would sit nicely alongside.

 

Sherco have reigning S3 champ Richard Sadler from Leyburn and local ace and British Expert champ Darren Brice in the hunt, not to mention Chris Pearson, James Fry and Emma Bristow in the mix. 

 

Katy Sunter has also entered the National course and could give Emma a run for her money on a traditional course.

 

Beta's main challenge comes from Ian Austermuhle, Jack Challoner and Jack Sheppard. A real contrast in style here with the super consistent Austy always there or thereabouts in any trial he contests while the dynamic efforts of Jack 

either work or they don't! The Lakes should suit Ian and a win would certainly be popular. Sheppard will find the Lake District rocks a far cry from his native Ipswich but is overdue a good National result.

 

Ross Danby waves the Jotagas flag and Ross can never be discounted.

 

Local lad Jonathan WEren will get the trial underway at 9am Saturday morning with the field going off in reverse order on Sunday to keep things equal.

 

There's plenty to see for spectators - just buy a programme and take note of where you can go and where you shouldn't.

 

And we'll have a full report and Eric Kitchen pics in next week's TMX!