Shane Byrne is ready to show young pretender Alex Lowes he’s still the main man in British Superbikes.

Lowes, 22, was fastest at a Snetterton test last week and claimed he was after the Sittingbourne rider.

But champion Shakey leads the standings by 30 points and also has 19 podium credits after six wins in eight races on his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki.

The riders return to Snetterton for round five of the championship this weekend, with Byrne full of confidence.

He said: “I’m a lot older than Alex but I’m only 36. He’s got youthful exuberance but I have big experience.

“I don’t think for one minute you lose your speed just because you’re a certain age.

“I’ll only race as long as I can win and am enjoying it.

“We don’t make enough money to risk your life for a top-five finish or a lucky podium. That isn’t how I’d want to be remembered but right now, I’m enjoying racing more than ever.”