Bagpuss

But are the contenders ready

That's the consequence of being a weekend track unfortunately. In this case though Knudsen was a late signing for Redcar and was probably fixed up in Poland long before Christmas.

They will have to have an horrendous season not to finish top 4 IMO. Need Bewley to be much better than that though, not good enough for a rider of his ability.

All indicactions are that they want it grippier than last week.

Let's not forget that Tarasenko top scored in our first two meetings, he had a bad night last night through losing three primary chains in three heats but that doesn't undo his scores v Leicester & BV. The Wojdylo issue seems to be down to Polish engines that are too strong, it needs sorting quickly as the team is designed to have a high scoring reserve. I'm not sure Klindt is the answer personally, he is still to get going really this year after injury and I'm not sure a grippier track would suit him. I don't know who would be though, I'd prefer to see this seven ride themselves into some form but as others have said 4th place could be long gone by then.

It sounds like it was essentially bike issues for both, of course those issues shouldn't be happening and there is a fine line between bad luck and unprofessionalism but the blokes riding those machines are capable of better and the chances are they will produce. MPT is unfortunately exposed in the top five against the better sides and that's a symptom of being under the points limit. Also has to be remembered that it was only Lynn's third meeting, although if we ride another three and are still struggling and without a win it might be time to have a rethink. We need that engine room back fit very soon.

A bit shambolic really. It was a tough task even without two injuries and you can put Tarasenko down to one of those nights but there are others who need to pull their fingers out quickly. Not expecting much on Monday night but we need to see some fight and heart.

What's the explanation for Tungate's absence?

Basso doubtful too now it would seem after a crash in Denmark last night

Not really sure why they've started dishing out guests for second strings, that's what R/R is for I'd have thought.

I suspect there will be at least one change there before long.

Precisely mate.

I'd suggest that Riss does have room for improvement seeing as he was unwell last year and probably rode when he shouldn't have done. That said not sure I'd have replaced Klindt with him.

I won't have a meltdown I promise but you must agree its bonkers? For a sport which presumably wants to be taken seriously anyway.

Nicholls guesting at the Foxhole (again!) so it's realistically Brennan or Z Cook if not R/R. You are right he hasn't started well but I would always rather have all seven riders available.

Sounds like there will be no Iversen, reportedly concussed from a crash at the Danish Championships tonight.

I think you and I could be heat leaders in that team

They probably should but the reality across most sports is that not all competitors will start the season in full swing, that's just human nature especially if returning from injury.

I'm not for a minute saying we should do it but would he fit for MPT and use the remaining points up?

Blimey. Fair enough if there are things behind the scenes they are unhappy with but is four matches really enough for riders to get going fully? Not for me.

People go on about Brums strength but that scorecard is littered with riders who could and should be doing better.

And the early call has again saved the expense of flying umpteen riders over from Poland.

Ridiculous loophole which I can't believe they haven't closed.