Vermeulen to return to a big welcome home

Australia's youngest ever world motorcycle champion, Chris Vermeulen, will head home for a one week break this week, but he'll have little time for a trip to the beach with his home town of Yandina planning a welcome home party like no other.

The 21 year old will be the guest of honour, as local fans and politicians get the chance to congratulate Chris on his spectacular World Supersport victory for Honda this year.

"It's just great that all these people have gone to so much trouble for me," Vermeulen said.

"I felt so far away from home when I won, but it's nice to know all that hard work had an impact back here on the Sunshine Coast."

The parade will head down Stevens Street and stop outside the hotel, where Chris will sign autographs. While the world champion will ride in a Garry Crick Auto Group sports car, he'll be followed by motorcycle riders from across the region and BMX riders who've all watched and enjoyed Chris' career.

The parade will start at midday on Saturday.

Vermeulen will fly back to Europe next Thursday to begin the first tests of Honda's new World Superbike machine, in preparation for the 2004 season.