FINE MARGINS THE DIFFERENCE IN DAUGAVPILS

Images courtesy of Steve Hone Photography

Tom Brennan and Adam Ellis could not force their way into top three on a difficult evening in Daugavpils, Latvia on Saturday.

In the end they accumulated 21 points. Denmark won on 31, Latvia 30, Czech Republic 26 and Poland also on 21, with Slovenia finishing on 14, France and Finland both finishing on 12 points.

Brennan top scored with 12 and was backed-up with nine from Ellis. Allen said: “It was tough and we knew it would be. I think the boys who rode did themselves proud.

“They prepared for the event as I’d expect and were totally professional throughout.

“It was fine margins really. We slipped up early on, losing points that we shouldn’t have. That cost us really.

“When we raced against the Poles and the Danes, we held our own. We never looked off the pace.

“It was a long day with 28 heats on a track like Daugavpils. The track went off after 12 or 13 races. Then it became about one line and gating.

“You obviously want to finish above fifth. I know we had the same points as Poland, but we were awarded fifth due to the previous year's rankings.

“But I’m not disappointed with the effort from the three riders who were there.

“In the end we just didn’t gate well enough. That was the difference.

“Special mention goes to Leon who travelled with us and didn’t get a ride. His levels of professionalism were excellent.”

Allen maintains that the big picture is a steady flow of talent coming through for GB, especially with the five-man World Cup approaching in 2026.

He added: “In the six years in charge of GB, I’ve seen Tom Brennan come through from being a reserve in these events to now being our Captain.

“Leon Flint who has progressed to lead our team at Under-24 is the reserve now at this level but he was nowhere near these events when we started, he can see the progress Tom has made and can see where this can lead, Tom is now a 2x Gold medalist and is firmly cementing his position as our No.3 at senior level.

“Their is a structure and a process in place for riders coming through the ranks. That’s the sort of progress you want.

“These events are not always about winning. It’s about learning and gaining experience both on and off track with the guys always taking something from it. We also get to spend more time with them.

“Our biggest goal will always be Speedway of Nations and the World Cup.

“But we will need backing for Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley in the World Cup.

“A little bit further down the line in the Under-24s this year we’ve had Leon, Dan Thompson and Sam Hagon. Beyond that you look at Will Cairns, Luke Harrison and Cooper Rushen.

“We are trying to create some longevity and a conveyor belt of talent, and that is beginning to happen and have more riders part of it.”

RESULT:

Denmark 31
Latvia 30
Czech Republic 26
Great Britain 21
Poland 21
Slovenia 14
France 12
Finland 12

Tom Brennan 12
Adam Ellis 9
Leon Flint DNR