mikec Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 (edited) I would agree to stick with Craig if GB did not have a chance of winning on Thurs,but lets face it Aussies are in the Sam e boat as GB 2 decent riders and Latvia could be anything.Barker and King might do a job so you have to give them a chance IMO.I have never though that Craig has classic style but can be fast I think the dirt caught him out IMO. Well Cook's out for Thursday. I've no problem with Bridger, King or Barker - all much of a muchness really. Your point is fair about the competition on Thursday & if qualifying for Saturday's final is the sole goal then fine. However if British Speedway genuinely sees Cook & Worrall as future international prospects over a 3-5 year term, then surely you pick them & stick with them, through initial low return. Cook will be disappointed tonight but he should remember he's beaten some class riders this season & clocked some very quick times. He admits his riding style isn't as natural as some, due to his lack of speedway experience. I'll be really surprised if he isn't back on the GB scene real soon. Good luck to GB on Thurs, whoever they pick. Edited July 15, 2013 by mikec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 Well Cook's out for Thursday. I've no problem with Bridger, King or Barker - all much of a muchness really. Your point is fair about the competition on Thursday & if qualifying for Saturday's final is the sole goal then fine. However if British Speedway genuinely sees Cook & Worrall as future international prospects over a 3-5 year term, then surely you pick them & stick with them, through initial low return. Cook will be disappointed tonight but he should remember he's beaten some class riders this season & clocked some very quick times. He admits his riding style isn't as natural as some, due to his lack of speedway experience. I'll be really surprised if he isn't back on the GB scene real soon. Good luck to GB on Thurs, whoever they pick. When you see these young guys on the Continent you have to think British Speedway is in dire straits .guys like Ellis's and Lambert have to give GB speedway a miss if they want to progress IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikec Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 When you see these young guys on the Continent you have to think British Speedway is in dire straits .guys like Ellis's and Lambert have to give GB speedway a miss if they want to progress IMO. I've thought that myself in the past, over the last few years when watching most of the GB riders blown away on large continental tracks. It would be a brave move for young riders to skip GB to learn in a tougher school (e.g Poland) in order to make greater progress - though it does happen in other sports. For example, boxers moving to USA to get tougher sparring/training or tennis players snubbing the LTA to train/compete in a more competitive environment. I'm sure Morris & Vatcher are doing good work with the juniors/U21's etc. I'm just not convinced British Speedway has any thought out strategy as to how good young prospects make the jump to senior level. If I'm wrong then I'd be happy to be corrected. Far more exposure to continental racing at a far younger age has to be a start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 I've thought that myself in the past, over the last few years when watching most of the GB riders blown away on large continental tracks. It would be a brave move for young riders to skip GB to learn in a tougher school (e.g Poland) in order to make greater progress - though it does happen in other sports. For example, boxers moving to USA to get tougher sparring/training or tennis players snubbing the LTA to train/compete in a more competitive environment. I'm sure Morris & Vatcher are doing good work with the juniors/U21's etc. I'm just not convinced British Speedway has any thought out strategy as to how good young prospects make the jump to senior level. If I'm wrong then I'd be happy to be corrected. Far more exposure to continental racing at a far younger age has to be a start. The way I look at is you don't need to learn on all these different tracks (shapes and sizes) in Britain nowadays because the sport has moved away from Britain in the last 30 years most of the tracks on the Continent are fairly big and wide .you obviously need talent bit you certainly don't have to ride in UK if you want to be World Champ.One bad meeting in Cardiff will not make A big difference IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikec Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 (edited) The way I look at is you don't need to learn on all these different tracks (shapes and sizes) in Britain nowadays because the sport has moved away from Britain in the last 30 years most of the tracks on the Continent are fairly big and wide .you obviously need talent bit you certainly don't have to ride in UK if you want to be World Champ.One bad meeting in Cardiff will not make A big difference IMO. It's true, I think the idea that you have to race in Britain to reach the top has been exposed as a bit of a myth nowadays. In the case of Cook, he's clearly too good for the PL & is progressing well for the Aces in the EL. As tonight has probably exposed, he needs experience on the international scene - initially probably a Liga 1 club in Poland, with gigs in Sweden & Denmark too. A mentor who's been to these places & done it - someone like a Joe Screen or Mark Loram - to help development at this stage. It'll be fascinating to see how Cook, Worrall, Ellis, Lambert etc develop in the next couple of years - & what assistance they get from British speedway in making that progress. Edited July 15, 2013 by mikec 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G the Bee Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 The problem is, the Premier League has become a safety net for stagnating young riders. They get easy pickings and as a result, especially as most double up, I suspect make decent money from the sport. I understand a great deal of this money, especially if the rider has ambition, will be reinvested back into the sport by the riders, but that misses the point. Riders like Cook, Worrall, Barker and Auty would be better advised to try to gain a place in a Polish team. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but perhaps the riders would initially need to ride in the second or third tiers of the sport over there until they have proved themselves. However, in my opinion, only by riding the big, fast continental tracks will they ever be a force on the international stage. If a rider is serious about making progress in the sport to the international level, he must ride in Poland. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 It's true, I think the idea that you have to race in Britain to reach the top has been exposed as a bit of a myth nowadays. In the case of Cook, he's clearly too good for the PL & is progressing well for the Aces in the EL. As tonight has probably exposed, he needs experience on the international scene - initially probably a Liga 1 club in Poland, with gigs in Sweden & Denmark too. A mentor who's been to these places & done it - someone like a Joe Screen or Mark Loram - to help development at this stage. It'll be fascinating to see how Cook, Worrall, Ellis, Lambert etc develop in the next couple of years - & what assistance they get from British speedway in making that progress. I Personaly don't know what help they will get but if the comments of Harris, Nichols and they late Lee Richardson were anything to go by it costs you money to represent your Country which is not a good omen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebrum Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Now confirmed as Bridger. Lakesidelive @Lakesidelive2h Now confirmed: Lewis Bridger has been called up by Team GB to ride in Thursday’s race off, congratulations @LewisLBR #hammerspride Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJC71 Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 If a rider is serious about making progress in the sport to the international level, he must ride in Poland. I'm sure everyone agrees but I guess the question is how do they get reliable contracts? I wouldn't imagine it's particularly easy to get a foot in the door in Poland. The BSPA has to do more. Rob Lyon was doing absolutely the right thing in blooding youngsters but he clearly hit a brick wall with the BSPA when it came to funding etc. Certainly the impression is that the Danes and Poles get far more support from their Governing bodies than the Birtish riders do. In terms of the team, like others I just couldn't understand what Middleditch was doing picking Kennett. No disrespect but he is well behind the likes of Barker, King, Bridger and even Cook & Worrall on current form. He has not pulled up any trees in the PL let alone the EL. It was as if he'd picked the first names that came into his head without giving it any thought at all. It was a wasted opportunity to blood a younger rider. We can't win whoever we pick but at least show some creativity and give the younger riders some experience and a chance to show what they can do. I was disappointed with Cook last night, but it will be invaluable experience for him and make him realise how far he has to go if he's going to make it at International level. I would have picked Worrall last night, especially with it being at King's Lynn. He isn't anywhere near the finished article yet but likewise it would have given him that vital experience. No problem though with Barker and Bridger coming in. Neither has had real opportunities at this level so no harm in giving them a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LagutaRacingFan Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 It's not hard to get contracts in Poland.. Lewis Bridger, Jason Doyle and Ryan Fisher all have polish clubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruckerroo Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Good luck to Bridger, a much improved rider , hope he has a good meeting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Good luck to Bridger, a much improved rider , hope he has a good meeting Yes - good luck Bridger. I would have preferred Barker or Worrall but I wish him all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LagutaRacingFan Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 I still feel Lawson's trapping would provide to be a huge weapon for Team GB. Would liked to have seen him given a go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar_art Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 The following sourced from scotsman.co.uk CRAIG COOK today said Team GB can “kiss my backside” after the Edinburgh Monarchs speedway star was swiftly axed from their World Cup team after flopping in last night’s encounter against Denmark, Sweden, and the United States at the Norfolk Arena in King’s Lynn. Cook scored four points in what was his World Cup debut and while this wasn’t enough to help Team GB stop a strong Danish squad from winning the meeting outright and qualifying for the final, they did finish second and go through to Thursday’s race-off in Prague against Australia, Latvia and the US, who clinched third place on the night. Cook was hugely disappointed with his performance and told the Evening News: “ I just couldn’t get my bike to work, nor was it fast enough, I tried hard but there was nothing I could do. I had felt good during practice in the morning and was really quick, but the track conditions changed quite dramatically come the evening. You win some, you lose some, and I didn’t ride the way I know I can ride.” Team GB boss Neil Middleditch also gave the chop to Edward Kennett who only scored one point and in an effort to clinch the one place up for grabs in Prague to reach the final, he has drafted in Lewis Bridger and Ben Barker to give them the best possible chance of success. Cook angrily responded: “To be replaced by Barker and Bridger, who have been there and done it, and were useless, is a bit of a joke. Team GB is supposed to help riders develop for the future. I just feel like saying kiss my backside Great Britian, it’s a farce really.” Cook added: “This blow has in no way knocked my confidence, it will in fact make me stronger as a rider. I’m up at the top now and if I want something I go out and get it, I will take some good from all of this.” Monarchs director Mike Hunter commented: “Craig will be so disappointed at the way he rode and so will all Monarchs fans who know just how well he can ride, he just did not look comfortable at all, it was such a pity.” Eurosport pundit Kelvin Tatum said Cook should have been retained for the Prague showdown, observing: “Team GB are not going to win the World Cup and guys like Craig need to be given the experience for the future.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 I think he needs to grow up a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LagutaRacingFan Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 I agree with Craig, He's been riding speedway for a couple of years yet is a better rider than Barker and Bridger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 The following sourced from scotsman.co.uk Cook angrily responded: “To be replaced by Barker and Bridger, who have been there and done it, and were useless, is a bit of a joke. Team GB is supposed to help riders develop for the future. I just feel like saying kiss my backside Great Britian, it’s a farce really.” Oh dear oh dear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPNY Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Really, Really disappointed with Cookie's reaction there. Good rider who's improving all the time but I can't believe he's saying stuff like that. He has to repect the managers decision whether he likes it or not. Spitting the dummy out & trash talking teammates is not on. Plus he cant have a go at others for under performing when he underperfomed himself. I would have kept him in the team, but his attitude really stinks and I hope he realizes this and apologizes. Saying GB can kiss is backside is very childish & I think he needs to realize he's not as good as he thinks he is just yet... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutz Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 A bit!! If any of that is really attributable to him then he is a total prick who has just burned a lot of bridges Don't believe everything that is spouted in the press... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Don't believe everything that is spouted in the press... Until Cook flat out denies it, then it will be believed. That's laid out as a direct quote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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