Cookie chomping at the bit

Glasgow’s Cook, a former British Champion, was part of the GB trio that secured the Silver medal last year but he only had a handful of rides as team boss Alun Rossiter elected to use Tai Woffinden and Robert Lambert as his preferred pairing.

This year, Cook believes he’s in the best shape of his career and is desperate to play a pivotal role in this year’s tournament, starting on Saturday.

“I’ve worked really hard to improve every angle of my racing and I feel great to be honest. Last year was a bit of a kick up the arse for me really and I have worked so hard over the winter. I’ve changed quite a lot, a different chassis, new clutch, I’ve lost a lot of weight – everything seems better really and I’m smoother and faster than last year.

“The testing at Loughborough showed how hard I’ve worked and I know how dedicated I am, so this is a good chance for me to show what I can do again. Last year was tough for me, you put on a brave face and act professionally but inside I was hurting a lot. I don’t want to be in the team for nothing.

“I feel like I’ve earned my place again this year and I want to play a big part in the team’s success, I love racing for Great Britain so it’s an honour to be involved again and I just can’t wait to get out there now.”

Cook has plenty of experience at the National Speedway Stadium having been a Belle Vue regular since their move in 2016, and he says he’s raring to go now.

“I love racing there, I’ve done hundreds of laps there and to race for your country in front of a packed out home stadium, it’s awesome. Not many people get to represent their country so I’m honoured to be picked and feel very fortunate, but I know how hard I’ve worked to earn it too.

“Hopefully we’ll have a packed out crowd behind us and we can go and make a statement, we just want to go and win. That’s the only goal – go and win and book them flights to Russia!”

Tickets for the event are still available here; Tickets Speedway of Nations Manchester