Sidney the robin

In Europe things don't look to pretty either.

I am sure that is a life changer for most of us blame it all on Brexit i suppose.

I first see Hans ride in 1977 and he looked very talented but my first memory of him being able to compete regularly on the world stage was in the 1978 World team cup final Landshut he scored 11 points he was superb.

Winner four times six times runner up and two third places from 1980/1999. That record is insane Steve he also won in both disciplines of the world championship a record to be proud of.

In heat 8 ( Hackney test ) Carter was in front having passed Hans on the second lap and packing up on the last lap.Falcace you odviously followed the professors career like Steve Roberts and he was a true GREAT he certainly grew on me over the years.Was never a fan but see him quite a bit for Oxford and other meetings and you had to be impressed by his perseverance after a few setbacks that really impressed me.But the most impressive thing from Hans was his brilliant longevity at the top and going out at the right time.Being a Lee fan 1983 was a reminder of just how good he was and to be able to beat Hans/Erik who were the benchmark was no mean feat.Looking on now Hans would certainly be in my top 6 riders of all time and how many more titles could he have won over the GP format??? quite a few i think.

For me Erik always held an edge in big meetings against Hans pressure maybe who knows.Hans after his lucky let off against Tommy went on and look he was a great rider.My point was 1983 the BEST version of a Lee and a Carter had the beating of him Hans went to Oxford went up a few levels where certain riders fell away.

It did at Hackney in the test he was awful as was Erik Lee / Carter had the beating of both of them...Both Lee/Carter could beat anyone at any given time generally check the head to head over the years between Lee / Nielsen very interesting reading Falcace from 1977 -1984.

Thanks again to beat Mort 2.1 at Hyde rd took some doing but to beat Carter 4,.0 and Erik 4.0 in the helmet took some doing.to.

Thanks for that Waiheke1 must appreciated.

I certainly agree with you Falcace on the Siggy assumption he was a class act and would of been a threat to the Danes.Also don’t forget Billy the kid he was approaching his peak before his passing and had really pushed on in his career.Back to Lee yes of course most of his problems were of his own doing but was also pushed along the way with the help of a few vindictive people within the speedway circle.If times had of been different we COULD of had a period of a fit/ Stable Carter, a motiavated Lee, Siggy, Billy, Erik, Hans all pushing for glory it was not to be.1983 was a very good season for me enjoyed it very much even though the Swindon Robins had a dreadful team shocking really.

For me Steve Ivan/ ( Ole he was not everyone’s cup of tea not yours ) were the benchmark from 69 / 73 .Michanek was a mega rider a beast top class Tommy got killed when approaching his peak Collins and then a gangly Lee come on the scene.

You said Nielsen was the best rider probably..? in1983 ..Lee got injured in the test series at Wimbledon in the USA tests.yet stats say Nielsen was great .For me 1983 Lee/Carter had the beating of him not easily but t in 83 Lee and Carter blew him away often yes HANS was a great RIDER and went on to prove GREATNESS.but not in 1983.

I don’t think Nielsen in 83 was anywhere near the best rider in the world he was world class not doubt it. But in 83 Carter beat him easily in the helmet .And at Hackney in the test match Lee/ Carter both destroyed Hans/Erik.Lee beat Hans in both the BLRC at Belle Vue and the pride of the east meetings comfortably 1984/ Hans moved up a level.

I first see Michael ride at the Abbey in the September 1975 he scored 10 points .Not the prettiest to watch but you knew he had class Gollob/ Ward are the only other two riders who rival him for natural talent in my book.And to this day Craven, Collins, Lee, Woffinden are my top four English riders of alltime.

You must of seen Mike plenty of times at White City over the years Steve? i was fortunate anough to see him ride quite often.Have acquired quite alot of the 1983 footage of Michael and it still gives me great pleasure in seeing him reinvent himself after the 81/82 disaster seasons( a great 81 Longtrack victory though).