FIM Speedway of Nations Final: Team GB 'gunning for gold' in Manchester
Published 11/07/2024 at 21:15 GMT+1
The FIM Speedway of Nations Final takes place at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on Saturday, with all the action live on discovery+. Great Britain will have home advantage and team manager Oliver Stead is hopeful about the chances of Robert Lambert, Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan as they bid to back up their victory in the event in the 2021 edition.
'He gets the job done' - Zmarzlik in fine form for Poland at SON semi in Manchester
Video credit: TNT Sports
Great Britain are heading into the FIM Speedway of Nations Final on Saturday brimming with confidence.
Robert Lambert, Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan will be on the track in Manchester looking for a second win in the event, three years on from their success in 2021.
The trio tasted glory three years ago, and team manager Oliver Stead feels they have improved since last securing the title, despite second-place finishes in the 2022 event and the 2023 Speedway World Cup.
“The medals might not suggest we have made progress over the last two years, following up a gold with two silvers," Stead said. "But I believe we have been better over the last two years than when we actually won it.
“I think that bodes well for Saturday. We have taken strides in the right direction, and we are all excited about what’s to come on Saturday.”
Tai Woffinden was the fourth rider on the team in 2021, but he has been ruled out due to injury.
“It’s unfortunate to lose Tai,” Stead said. “But we are in a fortunate position that we have two more GP riders and also Tom, who is really stepping up and performing at this level.
“I was always confident we would have our strongest two out on the day. The fact we have such a strong three is really fortunate for us.Â
“We know what it’s all about. No longer is a bronze or silver good enough any more. People expect us to perform, which we have done over the past few years. We will be gunning for gold.”Â
The GB team will face off against Sweden, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Australia and Latvia at the National Speedway Stadium, with all the action live on discovery+.
Australia arrive as defending champions, with Jack Holder and Max Fricke their starting riders - backed up by Brady Kurtz.
Teams name two starters, but managers have the option to bring in the back-up rider at any stage in the evening.
Speedway of Nations Final Teams
Team A - Germany
1. Kai Huckenbeck (c)
2. Norick Blödorn
3. Erik Riss
Team manager: Mathias Bartz
Team B - Denmark
1. Mikkel Michelsen (c)
2. Anders Thomsen
3. Rasmus Jensen
Team manager: Nicki Pedersen
Team C – Great Britain
1. Robert Lambert (c)
2. Dan Bewley
3. Tom Brennan
Team managers: Simon Stead and Oliver Allen
Team D - Australia
1. Jack Holder (c)
2. Max Fricke
3. Brady Kurtz
Team manager: Mark Lemon
Team E - Latvia
1. Andzejs Lebedevs (c)
2. Daniils Kolodinskis
3. Jevgenijs Kostigovs
Team manager: Vladimir Ribnikovs
Team F - Poland
1. Dominik Kubera
2. Bartosz Zmarzlik (c)
3. Patryk Dudek
Team manager: Rafal Dobrucki
Team G - Sweden
1. Fredrik Lindgren (c)
2. Jacob Thorssell
3. Oliver Berntzon
Team manager: Morgan Andersson
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