Elliot Burgess blog

Hardcore fans have of course had their tickets booked for months, but there's no need to miss out on this major spectacle – you can still rock-up and feast yourself on MXGP for the only time this year in Britain.

Organiser Steve Dixon has been working flat-out for months on the event and the course should be in prime condition ready to receive the Grand Prix regulars – plus the British wildcards!

This is your chance to thrill at the speed of Antonio Cairoli, Ken Roczen, Jeff Herlings and co while yelling yourself hoarse for the Brits. And there's plenty to yell for. Newly-crowned Maxxis British champion, Brad Anderson, joins MX1 regulars Shaun Simpson and Tom Church – the latter making his final British Grand Prix appearance – and if there's one rider who can stir-up the home fans it's 'Ando'! And don't forget the return of flying Scot Billy MacKenzie who has been based in Australia recently!

Tommy Searle and Max Anstie are the big draws in MX2, both regularly running at the front of the pack and they will be joined by British wild-cards Elliott Banks Browne and Mel Pockock.

In total there are around 20 British or British-based riders entered so there's plenty to get excited about Matterley Basin is to be found at Matterley Farm, A31 Alresford Road, near Winchester, Hampshire (Postcode: S021 1HW).

If you are approaching from the motorway network just follow the A31 Alresford and pick up the MXGP signage.

Winchester

More widely known for its historical associations, Winchester takes on a very different character in August as it proudly hosts round 13 of the World Motocross Championship. We are sure you will enjoy the skill, thrills and spectacle at Matterley Basin, and we welcome you warmly to England's ancient capital city.

Do take time during your stay to explore the surrounding area, where you'll find plenty of attractions to keep the whole family amused. Close by is INTECH, Winchester's hands-on centre for science and discovery, where you can create your own tornado or play with a giant Newton's Cradle. Just a few miles down the A31 in Alresford is the much loved Mid Hants Railway, where traditional steam trains run to Alton and back through the scenic Hampshire countryside. A visit to Winchester is not complete without a veiwing of the Famous Winchester Cathederal and it's grounds. A walk along the water medows and up the high street to one on Winchesters old Ale houses.

A few miles away is one of the south's most popular zoological parks at Marwell, where there is plenty of animal action every day of the week, and then there is the exciting Fort Nelson in nearby Gosport with its collection of guns, historical re-enactments and daily firings (with free admission, too).

Both Portsmouth and Southampton offer fantastic days out with both ports having great nautical history, be sure to visit the old Mary Rose and the wooden warship "The Victory" plus there is plenty to do in Southampton.

A day out in the New Forest and and afternoon on the beach at Bournmouth? there is just so much to do within 40 minutes of the track.

You shouldn't head home before you've enjoyed a relaxed wander through Winchester's shopping streets. Escape from the heat with a walk round the large, shady cathedral where many kings of England are buried. Try on some armour in the Westgate Museum or spot the names of Arthur's knights on the famous round table in the Great Hall.

If you would like more information about things to do and see in this area, either for the weekend (20th and 21st of August) or for a future visit, call the tourist information centre on 01962 840 500, drop into the office in the centre of town by King Alfred's statue, or on Visit Winchester.

History Of The Event

In 2006, Matterley was built for two of the biggest events in motocross for the British people. Not only did it host the British round of the World Championship, but in the same year Matterley Basin represented Britain as one of the best venues for the Motocross Of Nations, pulling in the biggest crowd ever to the event, and still holding the title. With over 80,000 people over the weekend it was seen as a motocross phenomenon. The track has become an icon and since 2006 riders worldwide have been itching to get back on it. World class riders like Stefan Everts, James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael once roamed this track as thousands of fans cheered and united in favour of the great sport that is motocross.