U21 Team Announcement

The next generation of Brit kid stars go into the final in Outrup, Denmark on September 5 as outsiders as they go through another evolution of talent. GB take on holders Poland, hosts Denmark and semi-final winners Latvia with a new-look spearhead to their side.

A year ago they delivered an outstanding performance in Manchester to take a silver medal. But now Robert Lambert is a fully-fledged senior squad rider and new European Champion. That means Dan Bewley steps up into the No.1 and captain role supported by Drew Kewp, Jordan Palin, Tom Brennan and Leon Flint.

Vatcher admits it will be a big ask for the new kids on the GB block. He said: “This is a very talented crop of riders we have now. This will be super-tough in Outrup. Last year I think the boys raised a lot of eyebrows by getting Silver in Manchester considering we had a couple of 16-year-olds in the team. We did have Robert Lambert that night and he was outstanding and led the team superbly all the way through. But this is what International Speedway is all about. We go to Denmark wanting a medal but the experience is priceless for all the boys. Just to make it extra difficult we do have fitness concerns with both Dan and Tom, who are recovering from recent injuries. If we can go there with a fully fit squad I think we have a good chance of getting a medal.”

The GB team are also short on competitive meeting action with the UK leagues having been cancelled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus crisis. Vatcher added: “All the team have been putting in the practice laps with the odd meeting as well and the GB Academy training days. Naturally Dan and Tom have had time off due to the injuries but at least they’ve had competitive racing. We are stepping into the unknown a bit. But we are ready and prepared and I know this team will give it everything they’ve got to succeed.”