Shane Byrne admits he isn’t a fan of the British Superbike Showdown.

Champion Byrne’s nine race wins this season will effectively count for nothing when the top six riders begin the Showdown at Assen in Holland on Sunday.

A handsome lead in the standings has been whittled down to six points under the three-round format which sees the leading riders have their score elevated to 500 points plus podium credits.

The Sittingbourne rider missed out on the title in 2011 but triumphed in the Showdown last season.

He said: “I’m not moaning about it but I’ve seen a 30-point lead turned into a six-point lead.

“I’ve been on the good side and bad side of the Showdown, so I’m entitled to an opinion now.

“I understand why it was implemented in the first place because before, when one team had the best bike and won the title with four rounds to go, it’s boring.

“But the organisers are clever and the rules are such now that the teams are all fairly even."