Garry1603

Looking forward to this, my first meeting of the year. All the Panthers seem to go well at the NSS, but I still think that the Aces top 4 (plus Brennan) will be enough. 48-42

Such, such sad news. I loved his enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport and he could make a boring race interesting. Some commentators are synonymous with their sports, Murray Walker, Sid Waddell etc - we've sadly lost ours. RIP Nige and thanks for the memories, you will never be forgotten.

I think that there's no doubt that Simmo was the better rider (certainly in individual meetings) but Betts was the better team man. I think given the choice, if I were a promoter, I'd rather have had the latter.

For those in the North West, Granada Reports have a slot in their program tonight at 6-00 about Peter Craven and apparently to boost the idea of a statue of the Wizard of Balance to be erected in Liverpool.

Yes, you're right. In the past a Best Pairs event )which this effectively was) would be won by a 'Star' rider getting 16/17/18 points with a back up getting around 10 points - that would be enough for victory, but this system of 'avoid getting a last' encourages a more consistent second rider to win - and we did it very well. Well done Team GB

Yes, and we did it well.

The format really rewards the team that has a very good / consistent number two rider, which Team GB certainly had in Woffinden and Bewley.. There's no denial that Zmarzlik was head and shoulders above the opposition, but Magic, was a bit too inconsistent. It's all about not being last in a 4-3-2-0 format especially in the latter stages, so it's a well deserved win in my opinion. (albeit a bit lucky in the final when Janowski came to grief).

Brilliant result and what a boost for the sport. As always the Belle Vue track was the real star of the show and the real winner is the sport itself. Pity it's the end of the season because any casual viewers can't fail to have been impressed.

The Eurosport coverage was disappointing again. What annoyed me was that every reserve change (Pedersen, Palin, and Brennan) were shown as 'rider replacement rides' on the graphics as they came to the tapes. Annoying for a fan of the sport but any newcomers would have been totally confused.

Loved the Ivan and Ole feature. Two true superstars in the history of our sport.

Congratulations to the Panthers, they were the better team over two legs (and worthy champions over the season to be honest) Maybe it was a 'last hurrah' for one or two of them, but they came up with the goods when they needed to, Gutted for the Aces and I think that there will be a lot of changes for next season. I don't think that the Worralls and Wright are going to improve so they need someone younger with the ambition and talent to progress. No doubt we'll go again, but another 'so near yet so far season' leaves it a sad end to the campaign

Don't they all?

There's not much wrong with the sport when you get meetings like that. You don't need superstars to make it interesting, just close, exciting racing on a well prepared track. Well done to the riders and all involved.

Great meeting and a good atmosphere. Hayley Bromley and Chase the Ace kept things ticking over while we were waiting for Eurosport to allow the races to start. I thought that the Aces had cracked it when they went ten in front with rides from Bewley and Steve Worrall to come, but fair play to Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris who rolled back the years - can't deny that they were brilliant. Not over yet, but it's advantage Panthers for me.

The resurgence of the Worralls has given Belle Vue a decent chance, but a lot for me will depend on which Charles Wright turns up

Very sad news. I always had the greatest respect for him as a rider when he used to come to the old Hyde Road. A great rider, but a greater person. RIP

Hyde Road White City Wembley Sheffield Coventry

A big meeting for both Worrall and Batchelor tonight - I think who ever scores most will win it for their team.

Well; done to Wolves, fully deserved the two wins. As a Belle Vue fan I was happier with the away performance, All day the Wolves riders looked capable of winning races whereas only the Aces top three were really competitive (but at least Brennan tried hard). The 'engine room' of the Aces failed again I'm afraid and some of the management decisions were frankly strange. Worrall's lunge at the end was borne out of frustration after an appalling day for him, I hope he learns from it.

Maybe you're right and the captaincy is weighing a little heavy on his shoulders for BV. He's certainly struggling at the moment for the Aces, if not elsewhere.

I thought that Charles Wright had a decent day (especially at home). Seems to have taken his time to recover his form but I think he's getting there. Bewley, Kurtz and Brennan tried hard, but the rest were woeful. What has happened to Steve Worrall?

Was Kurtz afraid to look up?

Good meeting though with lots of great racing and passing. Bewley is coming on leaps and bounds. I think that it will be a similar score tonight tbh.

Spot on. We never know what's going on in someone's head and we shouldn't interfere with his feelings. If he needs help and support I'm sure that he has people around him to give it. The rest of us should just accept it and wish him well. This is too dangerous a sport to do without full commitment and concentration. Get well soon Cookie - and take your time.

Another great character lost to us. RIP Taffy and thanks for the memories.