TOM SYKES is entering his third full season in the World Superbike paddock, but the Huddersfield ace isn’t about to set himself up for a fall with any bold predictions.

Fanfares heralded the 25-year-old’s full-time arrival among the world’s best in 2009, having grabbed a second-place finish at Donington Park as a wildcard a year previously.

But despite having made considerable waves at British Superbike level – Sykes’ transition to the worlds has been a tricky one. As a full-time rider he has failed to recreate the heady days of Donington 2008 – he’s yet to finish on the podium – ending the 2009 campaign ninth overall and last year back in 14th. And despite having the brand new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machine to ride in 2011, Sykes is cautious about this season.

“I always have goals and targets set out in my head at the start of a season,” said Sykes. “But I am not a rider who shouts about what he wants to achieve.

“I don’t feel any extra pressure from anybody else and I am just going to have go out there and give everyone 110% as always.

“With Kawasaki and PBM behind me I think we have a good base package to move forward.”

WSB races will be shown on British Eurosport, with all European rounds in HD. British Eurosport – Sky channel 410 & Virgin Media 521. Eurosport HD is on Sky 412 & Virgin Media 522. Watch live online at www.eurosportplayer.co.uk