YOUNG BRITS BAG BRONZE!

Images courtesy of Steve Hone Photography

The national team took third with 23 points behind winners Poland on 48, Denmark 45 with host nation France ending on four.

Dan Thompson opened the meeting with a race win before the top two countries took control in Macon.

Vatcher said: “I couldn’t be prouder. It was a very inexperienced and young team. Speedway is such a tough sport.

“You don’t get many moments when you get medals around your neck. I asked the boys to embrace it.

“We always knew Poland and Denmark were going to be super-strong. I think the reality was we came here to win the bronze medal.

“Every one of the guys came through the British Youth Championship and I couldn’t be prouder of our best result in this event.

“We always say it, but the experience gained is the most valuable asset of all.

“Winning is obviously important but there were so many other lessons learnt.

“Both the tracks in the semi-final and final were difficult and something all of our boys hadn’t experienced before. Yet they dealt with it admirably.

“We want to be challenging for Gold and Silver. But our development started a long time behind Poland and Denmark and that shows.

“But we are catching up. I believe our talent pool is getting bigger and the bond from the lads is outstanding.

“We’ve been working with these boys from a very young age and it’s great to see them winning FIM medals at senior level now.”

Thompson ended up being the only race winner for GB and his attention now turns to the second SGP2 round in Riga, Latvia this weekend.

He said: “I was quite happy to get straight into it in Heat 1 and get a win.

“The top two teams were very strong and the track was a bit tricky. I faded a bit but I’m happy to get the medal.

“Now onto Latvia for the SGP2 next weekend. I know it will be tough.”

RESULT:
Poland 48
Denmark 45
Great Britain 23
France 4

Leon Flint 7
Dan Thompson 7
Sam Hagon 5
Jake Mulford 2
Luke Harrison 2