SteveLyric2

I thought you were a fan of Darcy's on track performances?! In which case it shouldn't worry you how often he is in the gym or otherwise. Being 'ultrafit' is no guarantee that such riders respect other riders on the track, as Pedersen has demonstrated on many occasions! As for the opinions of other GP stars - I would guess there are quite a few that would prefer not to be in the same race as Nicki, especially if they are drawn in the outside gate position.

Don't sit on the fence - call a spade a spade!!

Maybe random testing should be for say 6 riders ie approx. one third of the field as far as GPs are concerned - or maybe even half?! Not defending Ward particularly but he and others have been tested randomly before and have passed the test OK. That could mean that riders do socialise together on the eve of a GP and maybe DO have a drink - with the whole of the following day to 're-hydrate', rather than just to lunchtime as in Latvia. Ward has admitted on TV that he was slightly over the limit - based on what may or may not have been a flawed testing process. Assuming the testing process proves to have been ok, then there is clearly a case to answer - in Ward's case, whether the jury consider there may have been mitigating circumstances, it is his first offence as far as FIM are concerned and may well be punished by time served - or not?! I for one want to see him back in league racing asap. (even though as far as Poole is concerned I don't think its the best team building option for 2015 for Poole to be EL Champs for the 3rd consecutive season!)

Are you taking the Michael again, Gav?

I'm hearing that Plymouth have accepted there may be issues with Holder's visa and have put in a request for first call on the top 4 Tasmanian qualifiers. If acceptable, they will be renamed the Tazmanian Devils!! I'll get my coat.......... Not according to Colin Pratt from Friday's workshops!! New CoS's have been agreed and Swindon have re-submitted Batchelor's visa application straight away.

Well it was worth a try, as others were saying it was only Darcy Ward that had tweeted anything!!

The Bournemouth Echo today quoted the FIM as saying "...following yesterday's events in Switzerland, a final outcome is expected next week..........after the International Disciplinary Court hearing failed to produce a definitive verdict!" Read into that what you wish.

4.63 was his 2013 final EL average, but have no idea why they are using that rather than last season's converted PL average??! I though where a rider had an EL and PL average - albeit from different seasons -, it was the higher of the 2 that had to be used?!

...but his other leg is reportedly still doing good business!!

Colin Pratt has reported a successful meeting of all promoters with UKVI during the morning and then a separate meeting involving the BSPA MC and UKVI in the afternoon. There is apparently a newly worded Certificate of Sponsorship (Licence) which has been agreed and Swindon are proceeding immeadiately with Batchelor's visa application.

I don't believe Ward has any legal conviction against his name!! Hopefully before Tuesday so that Speedway Star can carry the story next week! Hopefully before Thursday as he has flights booked!!

Any particular reason why Holder is missing from the Poole line-up? It can't be to do with visas as you've included the likes of Doyle, Batchelor in their respective teams?

This is Alex Harkess' final year as BSPA Chairman. He will step down at the earlier 2015 AGM. Hopefully (if the current eligibility rules stay in place) his place will be taken by an EL promoter?! Rumours of Jon Cook being enticed back after taking a year out of BSPA MC duties?!

To all Middlo haters and those that are fans, do yourself a favour and give this forum a rest for an hour - listen to Middlo LIVE on www.piratecastlive.com from 8pm this evening. This weekly live speedway talkshow is totally UNNOFFICIAL and is presented by a couple of Poole fans. You can listen, join in by phone, twitter, Skype or chatroom. Go on - you know you want to! (ps keep it clean and respectful though - its a family show.)

...and still is! Pray tell which country Ward was representing in the SGP?? There's probably a bit of a clue whenever he wins one and they play his national anthem!! NB. Stefan Danno's ban was imposed by Svemo even though the offence was committed at the European GP in Poland!

Good. Sky meetings should be all done and dusted within 1.5 hours!!

What is not open to debate is that any FIM suspension or ban is for all speedway and not restricted to just Europe! However, maybe the final punishment will be left to Motorcycle Australia to administer - in which case any further ban may simply be in Australia or representing Australia in GPs and/or International Team meetings??!

What if he lines up in April??!

...but you are still referring to last year's rule book!!! Expect loads of 'last-minute' changes/updates/options in the 2015 version, once the visa situation is sorted!!

No.

I'm surprised the USA riders are affected to be honest!!

Are paramedics, Australian or otherwise, self-employed like speedway riders?

It contains the 'elite' of British netball!

They will if they complete the paperwork correctly!!

Just noticed Sky have announced their 2015 coverage of the Ladies Netball 'Superleague'!!