Vincent Blachshadow

Then messes about with the way it applies to different clubs at different times.

Yes, but he had to be here to do it and that is where Tai differs - he wasn't here (until the money stopped abroad, that is). The initial post on this thread states:- “I’m planning to hold a series of Tai Woffinden training schools for British youngsters through the summer,” he said. That's 'through the summer'. Tai wasn't actually here 'through the summer'. Maybe a bone of contention with the BSPA.

The way many people decide they are bigger than their sport and want more money, despite the fact they've been happy to take what was on offer before. It's hardly unprecedented.

Have I missed something? Is there a statement from Tai?

OK, but I asked because I was told by a rider that they do, or did, it was some time ago, get points money of sorts too - nowhere near what they ride for in leagues - otherwise what would stop a rider (when his team is definitely in fourth place for instance) tootling around at the back if it makes no difference to anything. That was some time ago though, and he wasn't a Brit so could have no bearing on Team GB today.

Steve does say 'prize money' not points money or earnings. So do they get points money as well? If so, he'd have got his correct share of that. The team came second, the prize for second place should be shared out equally.

Unfortunately, letting the cat out of the bag and telling the Star put paid to that.

What I meant was that there was no reason to let the story out until riders had actually been tested. Yesterday, today, next week, whenever, but actually test the riders then tell the press.

Wouldn't it have been better to wait until the rain stopped and some tests carried out before giving the story to the press?

No, can't say I've noticed that. But, with a pc, a couple of iphones, and an ipad or two anybody could be on with half a dozen user names at the same time.

Although I did comment on his post, I don't need Robert72 to tell me what to think about Tai's decision, not that I necessarily put that decision down to expenses, nor do I need telling who's posts I should treat as credible on a given subject. The point is more that, with virtually just an 'I quit' announcement, people will draw their own (right or wrong) conclusions and R72 isn't the only person out there deciding that could be the reason.

R72 didn't say he got any expenses, just that he 'expects over the top expenses'. That's the problem with Tai just saying he's pulling out of riding for GB without saying why. Folk jump to conclusions, make up their own reasons, call it what you like, but you can't blame people for jumping to that sort of conclusion. Until we know the real reason that's as good a conclusion to jump to as any other.

Great news about Antonio, but, since you brought the subject up, hasn't Ched Evans' conviction been quashed?

Or that he paid his own air fair from wherever he rode last to his 'home' country to ride in the WTC.

Who pays the riders' expenses for this shindig, the event organisers or the riders' national body?

Oh, I'm with it now, The Darren Fletcher of BT Sport used to work at Plymouth Speedway and now disc jockeys in his spare time. Got you. My mistake.

Anybody else notice an absentee from this thread since this was posted? Might just be coincidence I suppose and he could be jockeying discs in Ibiza still but he was always good for at least one post per twelve hours before this one appeared.

Just a hunch, but I reckon BT Sport's Darren Fletcher would know how to spell 'suffice'.

I've included that rain-off (the 'one home fixture in six weeks' bit). Not getting at anybody, just pointing out that the only reason you've had one scheduled fixture (which was rained off) in six weeks is because somebody planned it that way. One or two more could have been put into that gap when they were originally worked out.

Okay, a four week break or, if you prefer, one home fixture in six weeks. Same thing, poor spacing of fixtures.

What does 'F**KING awesome' tell you about the experience that the superlative 'awesome' on its own doesn't? Is 'f**kin noise' any different to 'noise' in those circumstances?

I'd say you've got a six week break because somebody didn't space your fixtures out very well.

So, given that all speedway riders like to earn money - that's why they do it - where are these (#1 standard) stand-by riders coming from? As you say, they'll weigh up their chances and go to where they'll get regular rides, the better ones, that is, if they only get paid when they ride. Would Poole be happy with a 6 point rider as their top stand-by man? I think not, so a payment of some kind will have to be made to secure a good heat leader standard rider is ready to step in when required. It's an opinion, no more than that. The issue of squads has been talked about amongst promoters for some time now but has never happened. If riders were happy to sign for a club and just twiddle their thumbs waiting whilst two other riders were raking in the earnings the promoters would have had nothing to lose so would have gone with it. As I say, just an opinion.

So you can see a situation where, using this year's riders, KK would be happy to sign a contract to be Poole's back-up rider (with Andersen and Holder as the regulars) and perhaps never ride rather than signing for Coventry and riding every match and not ask for some form of compo for the earnings he will miss?

It is indeed, followed by 'vulgar' or 'obscene'. Definition of vulgar being 'lacking sophistication or good taste', 'obscene' being 'offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency'. .