(SPEEDWAY 1)
GREAT Britain boss Alun Rossiter has described last weekend’s pre-season training camp in Croatia as a “positive experience.”Rossiter was joined by several members of the GB squad for on and off-track sessions at former Grand Prix venue Gorican, accompanied by former rider Olly Allen and fitness professional Paul Suggitt, who form a major part of the Poultec speedway apprenticeship scheme.Rossiter said: “It was all very positive. What we’ve done this year is a big step forward and I very much appreciate the co-operation of the BSPA in helping to make it happen.“It’s the first one we’ve done and I know the riders took a great deal from it, which is more than pleasing.“It’s a little disappointing that the whole squad couldn’t be there but this is all a learning experience for everyone, including myself, and the trip was something we were only able to finalise in recent weeks. In hindsight, there were a couple of other riders who I should have invited which was an oversight on my part and again something I will learn from.“I’d also mention Chris Harris who wasn’t fit to ride after an operation but he still made the effort to be there, which was very good.“There were a lot of riders there who you would describe as being ‘on the fringe’ and it became a very productive weekend, and a massive eye-opener for some of them.“They had training sessions in the morning before they went out and raced on-track, and we also had a classroom session to discuss nutrition and how to exercise, which everyone found very informative. “Some of the fitness work came as a bit of a shock to the smaller ones, but Paul was very good – he’s very clear and positive character, and he’s clearly doing fine work with Olly with the Poultec boys too.“I’d also like to thank Olly for his input and help. We go back a long way to when he was doing the Under-21s and I advised him there, so it wasn’t a surprise that we know how each other works, and he’s been a real benefit to me.“The feedback from the riders has been excellent and a number of them impressed me over the weekend, so it’s all positive.“Everything about the facilities was absolutely spot-on, and it’s certainly a place that we should look at going back to in future. The track preparation was perfect, and they also have a small track with the big track so it would be ideal if we wanted to take the Under-21s and the youngsters.“Now we have to work hard to get planning ahead, and after the World Cup we’ll look to sort out next year’s session so that hopefully all riders will be able to be in attendance.”
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POOLE will stage an extra race following their opening meeting of the season in honour of former promoter Pete Ansell.Four Pirates riders, including Davey Watt and Hans Andersen, will contest the race following the Elite Shield clash with Coventry on March 16, as the club pay tribute to Ansell who passed away last November.Promoter Matt Ford said: “This is a race in all honesty I wish was not happening. We miss Pete terribly, but hope he will be looking down on us, and know he will forever be in our thoughts.“We will be joined by Roz Ansell, Pete's wife along with his sons Mark and Simon and family whilst Mervyn Stewkesbury will also be coming along to celebrate with us all.”
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REDCAR have announced a new team sponsorship deal with North-East car dealership SG Petch.The company have branches in Middlesbrough, York, Durham, Darlington and Richmond and have stepped up their involvement with the club having been associated with the sport on Teesside for a number of years.Dealer principal Shaun Burke and sales manager Ian Noble have both been regular visitors to Redcar having sponsored meetings in recent seasons.Bears promoter Brian Havelock said: “Team sponsorship is vital to every club and Redcar is no exception. To have a company as big and well-known in the area as SG Petch backing the Bears is very encouraging and I'm confident that the tie-up will be beneficial for both parties.”
(FIXTURES)
SATURDAY MARCH 12:BEN FUND BONANZA: King’s Lynn 6pm
SUNDAY MARCH 13:ULRICH OSTERGAARD TESTIMONIAL: Peterborough 2pm
