This year’s Manx Grand Prix could have a truly international flavour with prospective riders hailing from not only Italy, France and Switzerland, but also from America, Russia and Denmark.

The riders were among 15 visiting the island for the second of the Manx Motor Cycle Club’s familiarisation weekends.

For some riders it was their first visit to the island and they were able to complete guided laps by car with experienced competitors who shared their tips on riding the course safely.

Prospective newcomer Israel Gillette, 39, is from Jonesborough, Tennessee, and he’s more used to touring on his motorcycle, accompanied by his border collie cross breed, Dan, who travels in one of his panniers.

’This is my fifth visit to the Isle of Man,’ he said. ’I’ve been to three TTs and one MGP as a spectator. It’s something I have wanted to do ever since I was much younger.’

He was inspired by seeing TV coverage of the event in America showing Joey Dunlop’s exploits in the island.

’When I came to the TT in 2013, it just seemed so fast but when I came back for the MGP in 2016, I thought that was maybe just a little bit more attainable,’ he said. Maybe I could do that.’

’The aim is to use my Suzuki SV650. It’s a good bike for learning the course.’

Danila Krasnyuk, who is 31, travelled from St Petersburg in Russia.

’This is my first visit to Britain and my first to the Isle of Man but there are no Russian competitors at the TT or MGP. For Russian riders it is a dream to come here.

’In Russia we don’t have many race circuits and the Isle of Man is known as the best road race. It’s even better than I imagined - very different from what you see watching race laps on DVD.

’I have been preparing for two years to do this event. There’s a lot to learn.’

Danila intends to ride his Honda CBR600 in the event and was planning more laps to get the most out of his five-day visit along with his mechanic Gleb Lazutin.

Kenneth Kornov from Denmark is 33 and intends to race his Yamaha R6. He was another first time visitor.

’It all seems a bit surreal seeing the track you’ve seen so many times on DVD in real life,’ he said.

I came a few days ago along with a friend, Carsten Svendsen, who has raced here.

’Seeing the course was really quite an emotional experience but I have some experienced people helping me,’ he said.

’The biggest shock was how up and down the terrain was - you don’t really see that on the DVDs. And of course, all those corners to learn.’

Representing Italy was 29-year-old Andrea Majola, a mechanic and test rider from La Spezia. He’s hoping to ride his Paton in the Lightweight race.

Another first time visitor, he said it had been a dream to come here.

’My heart was racing,’ he said.

’It was quite emotional.

’The Mountain looks like the most interesting part - Ramsey Hairpin to Creg-Ny-Baa.’

Online entries for this year’s races close on Thursday.

This year’s Manx Grand Prix starts with practices on August 17 and finishes with the Senior race on August 30.