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Superbikes: Tommy Bridewell knows he is stepping into the unknown when he makes his Italian Superbike debut this weekend.

The 19-year-old from Etchilhampton will race in the first meet of the season at Mugello after moving from the British Superbike Championship.

But after his final testing session at Monza last week ended in frustration, due to electrical problems with his Suzuki GSX-R1000 K7, Bridewell realises he will be in unfamiliar territory.

"I didn't get any track time and that is what I need more than anything," said the former Lavington School pupil, who is also competing in the Suzuki GSX-R750 European Cup.

"But I also don't know what the competition is like, I don't know if I am going to go out there and come last by 25 seconds.

"But I am going there full of confidence and to do my best."

But he still feels his trip to Monza wasn't a complete waste of time.

"I didn't get out on the track but it was still good to see the other riders and there is a totally different atmosphere from BSB," he said.

Bridewell's mood has also been lifted by several rival teams tipping him to succeed during the season.

He said: "Some have come up to me and said they had watched me in BSB and said they think I will do well, hopefully it will go to plan."

But his move to the Italian competition does not come without complications as, after four days of racing, he has to be back at the family's Wayside Garage on Monday for work.

He said: "A lot of people think it is a stroll in the park, that I race bikes at the weekend and then come back. I wish it was that easy.

"No-one really understands it is such a demanding sport. When I come back on Sunday or Monday I am physically wrecked.

"Riding 200 horse power bikes all weekend rips your arms. It is not as easy as people think it is.

"But I still wouldn't do anything else, it is my sport, so I can put up with the travel."

9:49am Thursday 17th April 2008

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