British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde makes stance clear on North West 200
British Superbike Champion Kyle Ryde was left in awe by action served up by the riders around the North West 200 circuit.
Ryde flew in to visit his good friend Glenn Irwin on Thursday and was full of praise by what he saw on the Triangle course.
But the 27-year-old admitted he didn't see himself ever competing around the 8.9 mile road racing circuit.
READ MORE: North West 200 LIVE updates as Davey Todd storms back in Superstocks in Thursday's qualifying session
READ MORE: Meet the 62-year-old rider at the North West 200 whose dream is to emulate Michael Dunlop
"I am happy to be here," Ryde told BBC Sport. "It is crazy for me [to watch]. I don't ever think about doing this and I just respect the lads who do it and wish them all a good and safe weekend at the North West 200.
"I was watching on at a few corners with Glenn and my anxiety is through the roof.
"The one that stood out for me so far is Michael Dunlop, he was tucked in flat out in fourth and that scared me already and I've only been here an hour!"
The Nottinghamshire rider secured the British Superbike Championship in dramatic fashion last year with victory in the final race of the season.
He is predicting another close battle this year and feels Glenn Irwin will be in the mix.
"Last year was a wonderful season, British Champion, I have worked my whole life for it. It was nice to wear this number one cap, I have 12 months of it," said Ryde.
"Glenn's going to be a massive threat to me. Any other season with how he's raced he probably could have had a couple of championships to his name."
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