One of the most popular events on the motor cycle calendar – the Manx National Two Day Trial – will be run for the 56th time later this year when the Isle of Man plays host to around 600 competitors, supporters and their families. In the past, the event has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport but is still more commonly known as the Clubman’s National and while top riders are encouraged to take part it is more about providing a weekend of sporting fun to be enjoyed by all. This year the organisers have decided to make some subtle changes to the format of the event following a feedback from competitors over the last few years. Press Officer Andrew Cubbon explained: ‘Previously, riders were completing each day’s sections in something like nine hours and the feedback we were getting was that they felt this was too long. We were told riders were coming with their friends and families and wanted time to socialise at the end of the day, as well as an opportunity to look round the Island or watch some of the Manx Grand Prix practices.’ ‘Consequently, we have taken their wishes into consideration and this year’s trial will take between seven and seven and a half hours to complete each day. We will still have about 40 sections on the Saturday and again on the Sunday but with the overall route being shorter. Where we might have had three sections in one area previously, we are now looking to have some larger groups to cater for spectators and those who are following their own riders around the trial. ‘We are not changing what the Manx is all about, just making some positive changes based on what we have been told. We want the trial to be a highlight for everyone so we will do whatever we can to make it so. We hope by introducing these changes that those people who might have been put off in the past by the length of the day will come back to enjoy a great couple of days on their bike.’ The 2011 event takes place on the 27th and 28th August – the weekend between the practice and race weeks of the Manx Grand Prix – with the 300 plus competitors soaking up the race week atmosphere as they start their journey from the TT Grandstand. The Royal Hall of the Villa Marina is the venue for the prize presentation the following night. One of the attractions of the Manx National Trial has always been the diversity of the terrain with which riders are faced, a reason why many return year after year. They encounter everything from slate quarries to moorland streams and volcanic rock by the sea to muddy glens – predominantly ‘natural’ hazards compared with the tight technical sections which are the norm in many events. Isle of Man Department of Economic Development Political Member with responsibility for Tourism, Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, said: ‘The Manx National Two Day Trial is a valuable and extremely popular contribution to a full and varied programme of events planned for this year’s MGP Festival. I’m sure it will once again provide an exciting off-road challenge for those travelling to the Island to take part.’ There is a maximum entry of 275 solos but entry lists are still open so the organisers are urging anyone not committed that weekend to think about sampling the ‘Manx.’ The three-wheeled section was added in 1962 and this is now arguably the biggest sidecar event of the year in the British Isles. Andrew Cubbon said: ‘We will be delighted to welcome any rider of any standard to our event. It is aimed largely at a broader section of the trials fraternity, the guys lower down the field if you like, and our objective is to give them a great weekend of sport. ‘The Scottish Six Day Trial has just celebrated its 100th anniversary and I would say to anyone who maybe didn’t get an entry into that, think about the Manx National and, if you haven’t tried it before, I am certain you will enjoy it.’ ENDS