THE waiting is over, Thundersprint will roar into top gear on Sunday with more than 75,000 people expected to line the streets of Northwich to witness the great event.

Thundersprint is Britain's biggest biking street party with a mix of classic and modern bike racing, along with a mile of trade stands, bands, street entertainment and even an aerobatic display by a spitfire.

Everything is free and the star turn for this year's event will be six-times world champion and six-times Isle of Man TT winner, Jim Redman.

Redman, 73, is one of the greatest motorcycle riders of all time and has lost none of his competitive spirit.

He said: "I'm not going as hard as I did when I was Honda team captain but believe me, I still want to win. I've had a couple of seconds at the Thundersprint but I still want that winner's trophy on my mantelpiece before I hang up my leathers."

Strangely, some of the most stunning bikes will not be found on the track.

One hundred bikes will be on display in the paddock area as part of the Cavalcade, which will then embark on a five-mile lap of Northwich under police escort.

The Cavalcade will begin straight after the practise session at 11.30am.

The route will take the bikes out of Matalan car park, down Chesterway, past Northwich Magistrates Court, around the one-way system and back along Chesterway. There will be two laps of this circuit.

One of the highlights of the day will be the X-treme Trials display, including 12ft jumps up vertical walls, amazing drop-offs, incredible wheelies and other death defying feats.

Frank Melling, Thundersprint organiser, said: "In a world where everything seems possible, the X-treme Trials display still stretches the spectators' imagination.

"The first time you see a man on a motorcycle ride up a vertical ramp and land on top of a 40-tonne truck, without ending up in hospital, will leave you speechless."

Away from the racing there will be six hours of non-stop street entertainment, including everything from Maypole dancing to brass bands and folk singers. There will also be a fair for children and a trade area for the adults.

Entries for the Thundersprint and Cavalcade are full but there is still a chance to show off your bike in the Thundersprint Concours.

This will take place at Moss Farm Recreation Centre on Saturday, May 8. There is no entry fee and no need to pre-register, just turn up before 2pm to register your bike.

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk