CAN BATCH GET BACK TO HIS BEST?

TROY BATCHELOR is back at the Swindon Robins for his third stint at the club following the winter departure of Jason Doyle. But after a disappointing 2017, the Australian is once again looking to put himself back amongst the elite. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his analysis on what to expect from Batchelor this season.

Once competing amongst the biggest names in World speedway on the grandest stage of them all in the form of the Grand Prix series, Troy Batchelor has endured a torrid time in the sport since. However now back at the club he once captained, the 30-year-old looks determined to put a bad couple of seasons behind him. The question that needs answering however, is can Batchelor get back to his best?

Last year saw the Queensland born riders season ended both prematurely and unexpectedly, after King’s Lynn Stars Chairman and BSPA Chief Buster Chapman axed Batchelor from the Norfolk side following his refusal to continue riding for the team during a meeting following medical retirement after an earlier crash. But after manager Alun Rossiter gave him the chance to return to the Abbey Stadium, it looks set to be an exciting season ahead for Swindon’s newest heat leader.

A rider whose courage on the track helped him to secure a place in the GP’s, Troy Batchelor undoubtedly has the ability to again become one of British speedway’s best riders. His attitude off the track has at times caused problems, although after time away from the sport it’s clear that the former Robin has matured to become the level-headed athlete that Rossiter needs within his set-up.

A ferocious riding style that regularly see’s h daredevil moves to come from the back is what makes Batchelor such an exciting rider, and his great relationship with club skipper Nick Morris will be crucial to success this season. 

It will be no easy task whatsoever to replace World Champion Jason Doyle and the points he almost always guaranteed for the reigning champions, but with clear determination to once again be amongst the best in the World, it looks as if this year may just be the kick-start that Troy Batchelor needed.