Fim Team Under-21 World Championship

[spook]

If WE make the WTC final

 

its too late by that point

 

In fact I should imagine its way too late already...... its most likely something that would need a bit of time to get sorted

[Snyper1010]

I went onto the provided link for the german news report and im sorry but why the hell are guys still being made to race with fences like that? it looks like a concrete barrier as in it doesnt look like there is much give in it if someone hit it. Im apalled.

[iris123]

I think it would be too much to expect so many tracks to have an airfence needed to complete a full season of FIM and UEM meetings.But surely the FIm could have at least 2 airfences that could be transported to these tracks?You can be sure that in the countries well supplied with airfences there are not enough tracks /promoters that would want to host most of these meetings....The DMSB Vice President in the tv report is blaming "over enthusiastic" riders for the crashed.That is probably before Sönkes accident.He was saying the riders are riding with too much heart and not enough intelligence......but goes on to say the track isn't easy,but if it was down to the track then you would see crashes in all heats.They have 6 heats without incident,then a rider goes beyond his limits and there is another accident.

The thing that has been noted by a lot of people who were there is the ref should have stopped the race before the accident with Sönke,but was very slow in putting on the red light.

[TigerTom]

I went onto the provided link for the german news report and im sorry but why the hell are guys still being made to race with fences like that? it looks like a concrete barrier as in it doesnt look like there is much give in it if someone hit it. Im apalled.

 

The crash that was shown on the german tv channel looks as if the fence had nothing to do with it. It was an awkward spill and an air fence would not have done anything to change the outcome.

[Maddas69]

i think in the future all official FIM meetings, U21 team World Cup, U21/19 world/euro champs (including qualifiers) as well as qualifications to the GPs

must be held on tracks with airfences. I dont know if this would have helped Petersen but atleast i mght prevent things like this in the future.

 

It will be compulsorary from 2012 for every track......

[em1500uk]

Great individual performances from Darcy and Linus Very sad news about the young German, Sonke Petersen Thoughts are with him and his family.

[piratespy]

Just felt I had to add my best wishes to Sonke Petersen and his family, a tragic accident and something none of us like to witness in speedway.

Also in reply to Bob C, the aussie team did not have "old race jackets" for the meeting as I had read on the FIM regulations for the event which stipulated that the organiser would supply race jackets, as is commen practise in world team cup events.

The 2 "old race jackets" were there being returned to me by a couple of the riders.

So unfortuneatly no need for gaffa tape Bob

Boycey

 

 

[Snyper1010]

I wasnt meaning the fence caused Sonkes injuries i was talking in general the fence looks to be far too solid.

[TwoMinuteWarning]

The thing that has been noted by a lot of people who were there is the ref should have stopped the race before the accident with Sönke,but was very slow in putting on the red light.

 

British ref I believe? These days in the UK, if there is a problem at the start, refs do not normally put the red light on until until the riders are on the back straight. It's considered far less dangerous for riders to slow down on the straight, rather than on the 1st/2nd turns. Sounds sensible to me, and I believe most riders agree with that method.

 

Thanks for letting us see the video. As Tiger Tom says, the fence appeared to have nothing to do with the crash. Would certainly prefer to see more air fences of course, though they do encourage more risk-taking by many riders.

[rebelknight]

We have been informed on german speedway forum that Germany's Team member Sönke Petersen is paraplegic from now on due to a heavy crash in Heat 5.

I can't really believe it,and i'm very sad now.This is a heavy blow to german speedway.i wish him all the best for his future,and i hope he can deal with it.

very sad to here about sönke

[MunichMassive]

The crash that was shown on the german tv channel looks as if the fence had nothing to do with it. It was an awkward spill and an air fence would not have done anything to change the outcome.

 

Well in the Video i can see that Petersen crashes into the fence by hitting it first with his legs!!!.That probably caused the broken lumbar vertebra and being paralyzed.In case of having an airfence there i think there wouldnt have been an injury like that.

This wooden fence is really really hard.

 

on his homepage www.petersen-racingteam.de he says "I won’t stay lie down!!! I will be back on!"

 

Edited June 2, 2009 by MunichMassive

[Bryn]

on his homepage www.petersen-racingteam.de he says "I won’t stay lie down!!! I will be back on!"

 

Good to hear that Sonke is determined to 'come out fighting' as it were and face up to what will obviously be very challenging times ahead of him after sustaining such a life-changing injury. I'm certain that everybody within the speedway world hopes that everything goes well for him as far as proves possible.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Now turning to the situation that the GB Under 21 camp found themselves in following the injury sustained by Rob Mear on Thursday night can I firstly add my thanks to PhilK who was another actually at the meeting for his posting / views to add to my thanks already expressed to BobC for his posting.

 

I've had various conversations with other people both yesterday and today (Tuesday) regarding the fact that we were only able to track four riders and that includes a phonecall plus an Email I received from another who was at the meeting who feels that certain points should be made but who doesn't wish their identity to be revealed on a public forum and I fully respect that.

 

Various people have already suggested on this thread that lack of time / financial issues / possible lack of national pride etc etc might have come into play and I personally wouldn't argue with any of those suggestions. We should I think bear in mind that even before Rob Mear's crash last Thursday night Ben Barker and Joe Haines (and forgive me there for I think there are others but it is getting late!) had been ruled out of the proposed squad through injury.

 

Now realistically those responsible for putting together the squad would not have known that Rob Mear would be unable to ride until Friday morning, The person who contacted me earlier assures me that upon learning of the news, the phonecalls to possible eligible replacements began in earnest and continued for something like five hours plus! Apparently roughly 10 turned down the chance to step in at the last minute for various reasons. Two positive responses came to light but in relation to those various circumstances such as as transport and time to get the paperwork ready etc, precluded either Rider from attending. The ACU and the BSPA Offices all shut down at 4pm on Friday, so that the Under21 management were left with the only posibilities being holders of an ACU / FIM acceptable Medical Certificate, and there aren't too many of them at Under 21 level that weren't already in it or injured.

 

With regard to those who had said no, I'm told it was offered to fly a couple of them out there and lend them an engine if they could send a rolling chassis out in advance with one of the other riders who were leaving on Friday night / Saturday morning but again nothing proved 'on' as it were with those to whom such help was offered saying they couldn't do so for whatever reason.

 

I think that both BobC and PhilK have made mention of the sterling efforts the quartet who were able to get to the meeting and this person I spoke to said to me, " As far as Brendan and Simon Lambert are concerned, we should be very proud of them for their efforts and their enthusiasm. As far as Lewis and Tai go, they were brilliant in their efforts and their support of the other two riders."

 

I believe from looking at the FIM website / rulebook that for the U21 WTC the fourth placed side gets 1,800 Swiss Francs. That is around Euros 1,159. which is equal to about £220 a Rider! BobC has already referred to the amount of money Brendan's dad has already spent on fuel getting to meetings alone!

 

But let's take Tai's case and, if my maths are anything like correct, it works out at £14.70 a point as he got 15 from 6 rides and no doubt he could / would have earned more if he'd chosen to ride for Wolverhampton on Monday instead! I'm given to understand (BobC or PhilK will correct me if I'm wrong!) that he and his family travelled direct to Abensberg from Poland undertaking something like a 9 hour overnight trip, to arrive at his hotel at 8.00 am, just in time to get NO SLEEP, have a shower and some breakfast and then went straight to the Track.

 

So perhaps it has been suggested to me that we people should ask ourselves why Tai is so passionate about it regardless of the financial reward as are Lewis, Simon and Brendan who ALL fall into that bracket of Riders who WANT to ride for their Country (as no doubt do the injured Ben Barker, Joe Haines and Rob Mear as well as Jamie Courtney and Matt Bates both of whom were ready to go to Germany but it wasn't possible because of paperwork etc) whilst others who were ultimately offered more help than Tai, Lewis, Brendan and Simon couldn't make themselves available, although accepting that there may well have been valid reasons, rather than criticising the teamGB management for not fielding a five man squad! It certainly seems that they tried their best to do so.

 

PHEW!!! I would stress that what I've posted above is mostly what I was asked to and yes I know it's a bit "deep" so on a slightly lighter note perhaps either BobC or PhilK might like to give us their thoughts on what they feel Health & Safety authorities might make of the team's facilities at the track out there and confirm how good Rob Woffinden's tea brew (did he REALLY use a Bunsen Burner???) tasted?

Edited June 3, 2009 by Bryn

[BobC]

Great to hear positive talk from Sonke Petersen.

 

The Wuffy entourage,which included former rider Loius Carr,did drive through the night,and arrived at 8am,just as we were having brekkie at the hotel.After a quick bite to eat,we handed over our room keys so that anyone of them could at least take a shower and freshen up.The Brits had to go through scrutineering at 10am,yet the meeting didnt start till 2pm.Glamorous life being a speedway rider,isnt it?

 

Crazy though it is,smoking was supposed to be banned in the under cover cowshed part of the pits.Fair enough.Rob Woffinden and crew brought out a very well used camping stove,the only instructions we were given was to help ourselves anytime,as Rob wasnt going to act as mother! Very tasty,as Ive not had a decent cuppa while abroad.Perfect.No smoking in a wooden shed,but you can light up a burner! Yep,that makes sense!

 

Its only when you see the sport from the riders view,that you get to appreciate what actually goes on.Its another world completely.Its so easy to sit and criticise from a keyboard.Brendan has given me this opportunity to see it for myself.I wouldnt have missed it for the World.

 

As PhilK said earlier,it has only enhanced my admiration for ANY of the guys.

[Jolly Roger]

Sadly some of the better riders could not afford to attend but as usual the riders who,s Dads can afford to throw money at the sport get asked

[bdjfan]

Not sure how to take that comment Jolly Roger.

[kiwi]

Good to hear that Sonke is determined to 'come out fighting' as it were and face up to what will obviously be very challenging times ahead of him after sustaining such a life-changing injury. I'm certain that everybody within the speedway world hopes that everything goes well for him as far as proves possible.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Now turning to the situation that the GB Under 21 camp found themselves in following the injury sustained by Rob Mear on Thursday night can I firstly add my thanks to PhilK who was another actually at the meeting for his posting / views to add to my thanks already expressed to BobC for his posting.

 

I've had various conversations with other people both yesterday and today (Tuesday) regarding the fact that we were only able to track four riders and that includes a phonecall plus an Email I received from another who was at the meeting who feels that certain points should be made but who doesn't wish their identity to be revealed on a public forum and I fully respect that.

 

Various people have already suggested on this thread that lack of time / financial issues / possible lack of national pride etc etc might have come into play and I personally wouldn't argue with any of those suggestions. We should I think bear in mind that even before Rob Mear's crash last Thursday night Ben Barker and Joe Haines (and forgive me there for I think there are others but it is getting late!) had been ruled out of the proposed squad through injury.

 

Now realistically those responsible for putting together the squad would not have known that Rob Mear would be unable to ride until Friday morning, The person who contacted me earlier assures me that upon learning of the news, the phonecalls to possible eligible replacements began in earnest and continued for something like five hours plus! Apparently roughly 10 turned down the chance to step in at the last minute for various reasons. Two positive responses came to light but in relation to those various circumstances such as as transport and time to get the paperwork ready etc, precluded either Rider from attending. The ACU and the BSPA Offices all shut down at 4pm on Friday, so that the Under21 management were left with the only posibilities being holders of an ACU / FIM acceptable Medical Certificate, and there aren't too many of them at Under 21 level that weren't already in it or injured.

 

With regard to those who had said no, I'm told it was offered to fly a couple of them out there and lend them an engine if they could send a rolling chassis out in advance with one of the other riders who were leaving on Friday night / Saturday morning but again nothing proved 'on' as it were with those to whom such help was offered saying they couldn't do so for whatever reason.

 

I think that both BobC and PhilK have made mention of the sterling efforts the quartet who were able to get to the meeting and this person I spoke to said to me, " As far as Brendan and Simon Lambert are concerned, we should be very proud of them for their efforts and their enthusiasm. As far as Lewis and Tai go, they were brilliant in their efforts and their support of the other two riders."

 

I believe from looking at the FIM website / rulebook that for the U21 WTC the fourth placed side gets 1,800 Swiss Francs. That is around Euros 1,159. which is equal to about £220 a Rider! BobC has already referred to the amount of money Brendan's dad has already spent on fuel getting to meetings alone!

 

But let's take Tai's case and, if my maths are anything like correct, it works out at £14.70 a point as he got 15 from 6 rides and no doubt he could / would have earned more if he'd chosen to ride for Wolverhampton on Monday instead! I'm given to understand (BobC or PhilK will correct me if I'm wrong!) that he and his family travelled direct to Abensberg from Poland undertaking something like a 9 hour overnight trip, to arrive at his hotel at 8.00 am, just in time to get NO SLEEP, have a shower and some breakfast and then went straight to the Track.

 

So perhaps it has been suggested to me that we people should ask ourselves why Tai is so passionate about it regardless of the financial reward as are Lewis, Simon and Brendan who ALL fall into that bracket of Riders who WANT to ride for their Country (as no doubt do the injured Ben Barker, Joe Haines and Rob Mear as well as Jamie Courtney and Matt Bates both of whom were ready to go to Germany but it wasn't possible because of paperwork etc) whilst others who were ultimately offered more help than Tai, Lewis, Brendan and Simon couldn't make themselves available, although accepting that there may well have been valid reasons, rather than criticising the teamGB management for not fielding a five man squad! It certainly seems that they tried their best to do so.

 

PHEW!!! I would stress that what I've posted above is mostly what I was asked to and yes I know it's a bit "deep" so on a slightly lighter note perhaps either BobC or PhilK might like to give us their thoughts on what they feel Health & Safety authorities might make of the team's facilities at the track out there and confirm how good Rob Woffinden's tea brew (did he REALLY use a Bunsen Burner???) tasted?

 

So the question that does need to be asked, will BSPA learn from this and be better prepared next time...............

[gypilgrim]

So the question that does need to be asked, will BSPA learn from this and be better prepared next time...............

 

 

This has been my issue from my first post !

 

The team of FIVE was named a few days before the meeting. All necessary paperwork then sorted out. It does not take "Mystic Meg" to predict that a TEAM member could be injured in a meeting shortly before the side travelled to Germany. A stand-by selection of riders WITH SUITABLE PAPERWORK should have been in place. How much would this have cost the "cash-strapped" BSPA ?

 

I don't doubt that the U-21 Management did their best to get a sub in on Friday, but "fail to prepare - prepare to fail !"

 

 

 

[Stephen Lambert]

First of all I must say that Bryns posting has summed the weekend up very well. Yes Team GB unfortunately did have to go with a 4 man squad but believe me those 4 boys, and I know my son is included, did their utmost to ride their best for their country. I believe it is an honour to be asked to ride and for those lads that didnt/couldnt/wouldnt step in and go to Germany i believe they should ask themselves why they are in the sport. Surely if you want to progress in the sport you sometimes have to put yourself out and help others. I know that many hours was spent on the phone trying to get a replacement for Rob Mear so it was not for the want of trying that a replacement wasn't found.

 

It was a sleepless weekend. Simon and I and mechanic left home at 2 oclock Saturday to catch the ferry to Calais. Then we drove all through the night (NO SLEEP) to get to Abensberg. Once we got there at 8 am we were offered a quick shower and breakfast and then it was straight off to the track for practice. We were at the track most of the day, back to the hotel for a meal and early night. Next morning, check out hotel, back at the track at 8.30 am and there for the meeting. After the meeting and the van is packed about 6pm off and on the way back to calais. Drive all through the night (NO SLEEP), catch the 5am ferry and arrive home Tuesday lunchtime with 1670 miles on the clock.

 

It was a long, tiring weekend but speaking on a personal note myself and Simon would not have missed it for anything. It was an experience for the lads to ride in front of thousands of fans, to ride for GB with a union jack on your bodyjacket for very little financial reward.

 

I must thank Graham Reeve and especially Dave # Name Removed # for the smooth organisation and liaison with the lads. Crouch was terrific and totally dedicated to Team GB.

 

Simon and I had a terrific weekend just sorry the GB team result wasnt better. Thank you!

 

 

[gypilgrim]

First of all I must say that Bryns posting has summed the weekend up very well. Yes Team GB unfortunately did have to go with a 4 man squad but believe me those 4 boys, and I know my son is included, did their utmost to ride their best for their country. I believe it is an honour to be asked to ride and for those lads that didnt/couldnt/wouldnt step in and go to Germany i believe they should ask themselves why they are in the sport. Surely if you want to progress in the sport you sometimes have to put yourself out and help others. I know that many hours was spent on the phone trying to get a replacement for Rob Mear so it was not for the want of trying that a replacement wasn't found.

 

-------

 

It was a long, tiring weekend but speaking on a personal note myself and Simon would not have missed it for anything. It was an experience for the lads to ride in front of thousands of fans, to ride for GB with a union jack on your bodyjacket for very little financial reward.

 

I must thank Graham Reeve and especially Dave # Name Removed # for the smooth organisation and liaison with the lads. Crouch was terrific and totally dedicated to Team GB.

 

Simon and I had a terrific weekend just sorry the GB team result wasnt better. Thank you!

 

 

Thanks for this insight Stephen.

 

I can vouch for Simon's spirit and fortitude. He was giving everything riding for Scunny against Newport just a few hours before setting off for the continent. I also congratulate Tai, Lewis and Brendan for their efforts against all the odds on Monday.

 

Those who chose not to represent their country when it came calling should think long and hard when it comes time for supporters and sponsors to dig into their pockets to help them when they are in need. What will the response be then ?

 

PS

good luck to Simon and the rest of the Scorpions tonight at Brum.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Exiled Cuda

[speedy den boy]

Have to say to those riders,dads,drivers etc who made the effort to get out there i really hope you suceed in getting to the top.If i was blessed with a talent to ride a speedway bike i would have done the same even if i was skint!!!!I would have begged,pleaded,hassled and be a right pain in the neck but i would have got there one way or another.The riders that couldnt be arsed need to hang their heads in shame.Again full marks to everyone and hope it all works out for you all in future