ROBINS STRUGGLING TO GET SEASON STARTED

ALUN ROSSITER insists riders highlighted no significant track problems prior to a first heat crash that saw the Robins opening league meeting against Leicester suspended. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the managers reaction following the postponement.

A compulsory track walk prior to the action allows riders the chance to identify any potential hazards, but Rossiter states the conditions on the shale looked fine prior to racing.

“ When we walked the track earlier it looked ok.” Began Rossiter.

“ It deteriorated quickly, the mist became thicker, the drizzle got heavier and it turned into an ice rink.

“ The track was fine earlier.” He said.

A first heat crash involving three riders saw the meeting quickly called to a premature end, and Rossiter admits that riders safety must always be put first.

“ The riders are all professionals and they didn’t quite expect it to be like that.” Stated Rossiter.

“ When they walked the track it was fine and they’ve gone out in heat one and with the drizzle getting heavier they just lost it.

“ When three riders go down in one bend you know there is something seriously wrong.” He added.

And Robins boss Rossiter explains racing action elsewhere is keeping his riders busy, despite meetings up and down the country being cancelled due to bad weather.

“ It’s not too bad for the riders even though our season keeps getting delayed.” Explained Rossiter.

“ The boys are still riding in other places and getting meetings under their belt so it’s not too bad.

“ Obviously it’s tough on the finances at the club though. We still have outlays to pay but we have no cash coming in.” He added.

“ It’s one of those things, we will get through it and thankfully it looks set for some good weather next week.” Said the manager.

Away from the Swindon and with his Team GB duties to attend to, Alun Rossiter explains his delight after finally agreeing a franchise deal for the national side. Explaining how the choice as to whether Tai Woffinden races for the side again is up to the rider himself. 

“ The deal had been a long time coming and it’s something that is going to allow us to move Team GB forward.” Exclaimed Rossiter.

“ It should have happened a long time ago but we’ve got the deal done and I’m delighted.

“ The BSPA had done very well up to a certain point, but in order for the riders to get better they needed more fixtures.

“ The decision wasn’t down to me for Tai Woffinden not to race for Team GB, but if he wants to race again in the side then he can.” He said.