The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship will race on mainland Europe for the first time this weekend (21-23 September), as the legendary TT Circuit Assen hosts the opening round of the three-event ‘Showdown’ that will decide the outcome of this year’s championship.

The Dutch circuit is revered by fans and riders across the world and is nicknamed ‘the cathedral of motorcycle racing’. It already hosts rounds of MotoGP and World Superbikes but has never before welcomed the British Championship.

Arjan Bos, the circuit chairman, said:

“For the first time in the rich history of the TT Circuit Assen, this weekend sees a round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship staged here. We are very proud that the MCE BSB organisers have chosen Assen to spread their wings into continental Europe and we are proud to have included this important event in our 2012 calendar.”

Defending champion Tommy Hill will start the Showdown at Assen with a ten point advantage over nearest rival Josh Brookes, who took a superb double win at Donington earlier this month. The other four riders in contention for the championship are Shane Byrne, Michael Laverty, Alex Lowes and Tommy Bridewell. The other riders in MCE BSB will now compete for the 2012 Riders’ Cup.

Hill, who rides for the Swan Yamaha team, said:

“It’s really exciting to be going to Assen for the first round of the Showdown and it will be a great experience for all of us. I am going into this round not thinking about the 10 point lead as the standings can easily change. We are all riding hard and want those wins, but we also need to be consistent as none of us can afford not to finish races.”

Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki’s Byrne makes his comeback at Assen after being sidelined for two rounds with a dislocated shoulder. The double champion is aiming to equal the record of three MCE BSB titles this year and is confident the injury won’t affect his performance.

Byrne said:

“The shoulder is getting better all the time. We will have to wait and see how strong it is once we get out on track, but I am doing everything to be in the best possible position. I have to; I have no choice as I want to be champion again! I love Assen; I am sure this is going to be one of the best events of the season and I can’t wait to get out there and get this Showdown started!”

Thousands of British fans will make the journey to Holland thanks to MCE BSB’s partner Stena Line, who have provided an exclusive 10% discount to fans crossing by ferry. For more information about the Assen event, including ticket details and travel information, visit the dedicated website http://www.bsbassen.com.

MCE British Superbike Standings after Round 9 – Donington Park

1 Tommy Hill (Swan Yamaha) 535
2 Josh Brookes (Tyco Suzuki) 525
3 Shane Byrne (Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki) 523
4 Michael Laverty (Samsung Honda) 514
5 Alex Lowes (Team WFR Honda) 502
6 Tommy Bridewell (Supersonic BMW) 500

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