Four of last season’s team that reached the play-off finals are set to return to race for Leicester next season.
The Lions will once again be captained by Kauko Nieminen who led the team to second place in the final of the Premier Fours’ competition. It will be a special year for Kauko who has been granted a Testimonial meeting in recognition of his services to British Speedway.
Jan Graversen, the sole survivor from the original team that represented Leicester on the opening of the Beaumont Park Stadium in April 2011, returns for a third year and is joined by his fellow countryman Simon Nielsen. The Dane, who made a promising start for Leicester, had built up a large fan base but an injury in June brought his season to an end. Now fully fit, Simon will occupy one of the two reserve positions in the team.
The third rider to re-sign for the Lions is Lewis Blackbird who captained the Mildenhall team that scooped up four out of the five major titles in the National League last season. Lewis will spend the New Year racing in Australia in readiness for his first full year in the Premier League.
The side will have a new look about it with the addition of Kevin Doolan, an experienced competitor who will enhance the team spirit in the camp. Kevin moved from Ipswich in the autumn to Redcar where his presence and points’ contribution helped to transform the Bears into one of the best in-form teams over the closing weeks of the season.
Kevin is joined by Adam Roynon, the Coventry Bees asset, who made a big impression last season at Workington where along with teammate Rene Bach they won the Premier League Best Pairs competition. Adam increased his match average by almost three points over the course of the season and scored fourteen on his last visit to Beaumont Park.
The final piece of the team building jigsaw was completed today when Lasse Bjerre confirmed that he will be returning to ride for Leicester. The dashing teenager who thrilled Lions fans with his spectacular style and breath-taking overtakes will give the team a strong spearhead.
“Since finding out a week ago that we are to spend another year in the Premier League it has been a non-stop round of talks with riders about racing for Leicester in 2013. I am pleased to say that I can now relax as all seven have confirmed their commitment to riding for the club. I believe that we have a very competitive side to challenge for honours and I am looking forward to working with each and every one of them. I would like to officially welcome Kevin and Adam to the club and thank the outgoing team members for helping to get us into the play-offs last season” stated the Lions Team Manager Glyn Taylor.
Team:
Kauko Nieminen (8.18)
Lasse Bjerre (7.31)
Kevin Doolan (7.29)
Adam Roynon (7.07)
Jan Graversen (4.91)
Simon Nielsen (4.08)
Lewis Blackbird (3.00)
Total: 41.84
The above line-up is subject to BSPA approval.
