Multiple world champion Giacomo Agostini will take in Bishopscourt Classic Festival this summer

The Italian great won a record 15 Grand Prix world titles and claimed 10 victories at the Isle of Man TT and seven wins at the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod during an illustrious career.

‘Ago’ will ride an MV Agusta 500 GP bike in the Ulster Grand Prix winners’ parade at the two-day festival from August 3-4, where he will be flanked by festival organiser and former Ulster road racing star Phillip McCallen on a Honda RC45, plus other past Dundrod winners.

“We’ve been working on this since January but it has all been confirmed now and Giacomo Agostini will be making his first appearance in Northern Ireland for many years at the Classic Bike Festival in August,” said McCallen.

“It’s brilliant to have Ago coming over and it will be a rare chance for fans to see him here.

“He’ll be taking part in the parade laps on the track and he’ll be mixing with the fans in the paddock on both days, so we’re expecting huge interest.

“It’s very exciting and we’re all looking forward to having him over.

“I have to say a huge thanks to our main sponsors GO and all our other event partners for their continued support because it wouldn’t happen without them.”

Now in its fourth year, the classic festival continues to go from strength to strength and Declan Mullan of title sponsors GO believes the addition of Agostini this year will see record numbers in attendance.

“We have seen the increased level of investment by the organising club resulting in more spectators year-on-year,” he said.

“GO are very pleased to offer our continued support and with the motorcycle legend Giacomo Agostini coming, we look forward to what we all hope will be bumper turnout.”

A packed programme includes many of the top local and UK riders competing in an Open Invitation race and supporting Supersport event.

The festival will also host Ulster Championship rounds of the Classic Pre ’73 and Sidecars, Classic Superbikes, GP250s and Lightweight Supersport, including period 250cc and 350cc machines.

Hundreds of bikes will feature in the parade laps, from TZ250 and 350 machines to exotic Grand Prix Yamaha, Suzuki and Cagiva 500s.

There will also be live music, while a new attraction this year is the Classic Arena Trial, with competitors including Ryan Farquhar.

Meanwhile, Michael Dunlop is in action at the Le Mans 24-Hours endurance round in France.

Dunlop is competing in the Superstock class in the FIM Endurance World Cup on a Honda Fireblade for French team TRT27 Racing, sharing riding duties with team-mates Ben Luxton, Tom Ward, and Tom Oliver.

Opening practice took place on Thursday with qualifying concluding on Friday.

The legendary race is scheduled to begin at 2pm on Saturday.

Ballymoney man Dunlop previously competed at Le Mans with the Honda TT Legends Team in 2013 and the event will provide him with some valuable track time ahead of the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

Dunlop stands on the brink of history this year, when one more victory at the TT would put him level with his uncle Joey on 26 wins.