THREE-TIME world champion Yrjo Vesterinen will make his debut in the Pre-65 Scottish Two-Day Trial in May.

Vesterinen, who was a Bultaco factory rider in the 1980s, now runs Apico Racing – based at Network 65 Business Park, near Burnley.

The Finn was one of the names drawn out of the hat in this week’s ballot to decide the successful riders.

Such is the popularity of event, which runs in conjunction with the Scottish Six Day Trial and attracts entries from UK and Europe, that a ballot determines the successful entries.

But Vesterinen won’t be riding one of his famous works Spanish machines, opting instead for a Triumph Tiger Cub.

He is a member of the Colne-based Red Rose Classic Motorcycle Club, who have three other riders in the Pre-65 Scottish.

Former winner Paul Heys, from Rawtenstall, will also ride a Tiger Cub, while Andrew and Simon Sharp will ride a BSA and Matchless respectively.

The Scottish Six Days Trial see riders negotiate 30 sections and 100 miles a day over a combination of moorland, rocky tracks and public roads. It has a reputation of being the toughest in the world, and is the most prestigious event a trials rider can win.

Organisers Edinburgh DMC run the Pre-65 Trial, for machines manufactured before 1965, immediately before the SSDT, starting and finishing in Kinlochleven.

Red Rose CMCC caters for Pre-65 and Twinshock trials in Lancashire, and hosts a 12-round championship at venues across East Lancashire.

Their next event is at Warmden Quarry, Accrington on February 16.