steve roberts

RIP Roman. Sad news indeed.

Interesting John and having looked at some old programmes from the seventies the test match at Oxford (which was unfortunately postponed) the contest was to be held between England and Russia. The 1973 Daily Mirror Tournament had programmes listed as either USSR, Soviet Union or Russia! Such was the ambiguity and apparent inter-changeabilty of the title within the British speedway authorities at the time. Certainly used to confuse me as a teenager growing up during that period!

The Speedway Archive (History of Edinburgh Monarchs and Beyond) interestingly lists that "Rene became the first rider of the old Soviet Union to ride for a British Club".

Something that Peter Collins is passionate about as regards the correct usage of labelling regarding differentiating between England and Great Britain certainly within the current climate.

...or Charlie Monk who rode for Scotland on at least one occasion as did Oyvind Berg (I think?)

I recall that riders from the old USSR rode under various titles as a representative team over the years. Either as the USSR, Soviet Union or Russia depending on convenience and/or interpretation if not totally accuate. Indeed the Gordeev brothers are both from Georgia which was then part of the old USSR administration.

Agreed although he rode under the USSR flag in the 1989 & 1990 World Junior Championship but as you say was classified as an Estonian when he competed in Britain.

Roman Povazhny and Rene Aas.

Yes he did and he had a son Chris who rode for Ipswich I recall and had dual citizenship.

Marek was a revelation around Wood Lane in 1977. His first meeting he registered a maximum and his outside sweeps on a notoriously flat track without much banking was a joy! He kind of lost his way the following year but I personally think that was down to him having to travel backwards and forwards to Poland to ride for his club team whereas in 1977 he wasn't expected to. Eastbourme had a couple of Poles ride for them in 1980 but they lasted only a very short period (Jan Puk was one?) and compared to them Robert Slabon was a success but generally disappoining overal. I saw Roman Jankowkski score a maximum at Swindon and remember the Polish/Swede who rode for the Robins (recommended by Jan Andersen I recall) but, again, was disappointing.

What I liked back then was that the Eastern Euoropean riders were viewed with a certain amount of mystery and any riding on British tracks was looked upon with interest.I recall Antoni Woryna riding for Poole in 1973 & 74 which created an element of anticipation and excitement. Now Poles are abundant in Britain and no longer viewed as a rarity.

One of the best World Finals (in my memory) for drama and incidents in my opinion!

Saw Jerzy ride at Cowley in 1973...that is as far as the first turn when he got trapped under the kickboard and never appeared again!

To think that Chlinovsky was just won ride away from being World Champion in 1973 if he hadn't been involved with that infamous clash with Zenon Plech.

Yes and Richard Greer was down to make his senior debut at Cowley (I think that he later rode at Wolves?). From memory both Bob Kilby and Gordon Kennett were due to ride at Cowley also. Great days Sid!

I remember being very disappointed by the Cowley postponement. It had attracted massive interest although, if I recall, the England team wasn't represented by the main stars of the time but with those making their test debuts. Of course in those days England had so many talented riders that could have filled 2-3 teams.

Good luck with your very worthwhile request and I hope that someone is able to recommend meetings worthy of watching.

Unfortunately the England vs. Russia match due to take place at Cowley in 1974 was cancelled because of rain but I eventuallly caught up with them when they both rode in an international challenge against Swindon in 1976.

They first appeared together in Britain in 1974 I believe.

There was a conspiracy doing the rounds I recall that they were one in the same after Vladimir was disqualified and Valeri suddenly appeared on the scene...nonsense, of course, but it did raise a few eyebrows at the time.

Couldn't agree more.

Cowley had more than a few problems when Stocks/Banger Racing was introduced in 1973/74. The track and safety fence was left in a disgraceful state and the speedway promotion did threaten to pull the plug on one occasion I recall.

Super quality!

Agree entirely...it's in the nation's mindset and enjoys full media exposure.

Split used to get a mention on Terry Wogan's Radio Two early morning programme I recall.