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GREAT Britain will stage the World Cup Race-Off and Final for the first time in a decade as the tournament heads to Belle Vue next year.The new National Speedway Stadium is to host the events, which take place on consecutive days for the first time, on July 29 and 30 with Great Britain automatically seeded to the Final.Belle Vue CEO David Gordon said: “Bringing the Monster Energy SWC Race-Off and Final to the National Speedway Stadium is a credit to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.“The Belle Vue Aces are one of the world’s most iconic and historic clubs and it’s fitting that two of the sport’s biggest meetings should take place here in Manchester – a city with a famous speedway and sporting pedigree.“We hope big meetings will become synonymous with Belle Vue in the years to come and we look forward to welcoming speedway fans from across the world to the National Speedway Stadium in July.”

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SWINDON have snapped up all-action youngster Stefan Nielsen to fill the second reserve berth in their 2016 side.Nielsen joins the returning Charles Wright in the lower order and becomes the third member of next season’s Robins’ team along with Justin Sedgmen, having raced for Belle Vue in the last two seasons.Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “We picked Stefan initially in the draft, but we held fire on announcing it as there was some confusion regarding where he’d be riding in the Premier League. That’s all been sorted now so he’ll definitely be free to ride for us, and we are delighted to have him on board.“He’s got bags of potential, he did a good job for Belle Vue in the play-offs and he’s been British Under 19 Champion twice so he certainly has pedigree.”

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PETERBOROUGH have announced a return to the Showground for skipper Ulrich Ostergaard next season.The Dane, whose British career started at Eastbourne 13 years ago, is also set to celebrate his Testimonial campaign with a benefit meeting to take place as the Panthers’ opening event in March.Co-promoter Ged Rathbone said: “We've pulled off a couple of signings in recent days that really took our supporters by surprise - but I'm sure no-one will be shocked that Ulrich will be back again next season.“Everyone knows that he is a huge part of the club. He is our captain, he is an asset of our promotion and he is one of the best riders in the Premier League as proven by his PLRC success last season.“There are very few riders who provide the experience and excitement that Ulrich does and that is probably why he enjoys such popularity with the fans.”