Ryde secures World Supersport spot

Ryde, 18, was runner-up to Luke Stapleford in his first season of British Supersport Championship competition with the Racedays Yamaha team, but it was his surprise podium finish during a wild-card World SSP appearance at his local circuit of Donington Park that drew praise from many in the sport.

He will now race full-time on the international stage, although his team and bike are yet to be confirmed.

Ryde will follow Stapleford in switching to the World Supersport Championship after the British champion secured a deal with CIA Landlords Insurance Honda.

Ryde tweeted: “I’m really excited to announce that I will be racing in World Supersport this year! Team and bike manufacturer announcement soon.”

The teenager will certainly clock up some air miles as he takes on his new adventure.

The series, which runs from February to October, begins in Australia on February 26 at Philip Island before heading to the Chang International Circuit in Thailand during March.

Spain, the Netherlands and Italy fill March’s calendar before the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia hosts the next round in mid-May.

Ryde will then return to his ‘home’ circuit of Castle Donington on the weekend of May 27-29, hoping to repeat his heroics of 2015 on his wildcard entry.

A second of three trips to Italy follows before Laguna Seca in the United States in July, Monza in Italy later that month and then rounds in Germany, France and Spain round off the season.