Brightonbob

Obviously I am far too important to discuss things with the likes of you lot now. However, I do just want to say that the Bonanza is of course a top class event, and all Jons own thing - which is why he is on here clarifying things for the rabble. I will be coming down with the family as ever, its a top day out where we all put our differences behind us, watch the riders have a laugh (until the finals anyway) and eat chips. Come and say hello and I will probably talk to you. Yes, even Poole fans (though if they could keep it brief).

I was part of a small band which went to all four meetings. We had a fantastic time. I think the boys can be very proud to have got on that rostrum. They rode above themselves all week. I am sure the yanks, Poles and Aussies would have been happy to replace them. Its easy to say some could have done better in the final, but the quality of those heats was awesome. As for all the ifs. buts, spins etc - well its 25 heats so that evens itself out. The true winner for GB was Bomber in my view, and to some extent Stead who did so so well in RybniK. I hope the boys are proud of themselves. They should be.

Anyone know where I can print off a scorecard?

What sort of joyless doodah has a pop at a GB presenter bringing every advantage they can to our boys? Having been in Poland and Sweden for the semis I can assure you we got a bit of the same. Kevin is a great asset to the sport and in Eastbourne spoken about in almost hushed tones for the true speedway god he is. When he misses a meeting it makes a hell of difference to the overall show. I'd have him in a union jack suit with a flag sticking out his head personally. Lets face it, GB are going to need all the help they can get this afternoon.

Greetings from Katowice! I was there with a few mates last night and I think in my short life in speedway that has to be the best and most exciting meeting Ive ever been to. Rybnik as a facility is bloody brilliant for a start. It puts Reading and just about any UK home in the shade. Even Brandon. Great place to go. GB did so very well, but the aussies deserved it really. Poles don't like losing much and let their riders know it. I was texting a mate back in the UK after each couple of races and I was literally shaking after the final heat and could hardly manage it. Just brilliant riding and absolute awesome speedway race after race. Superb. I hope it came across on TV just how heated the atmosphere was. I hope GB just realise that if they raise their game 10% that trophy is theirs. Off to Sweden tonight for a long drive tomorrow.

Very funny. About as much chance of signing Pamela Anderson. At least - judging by her films - she might keep her hands on the throttle.

Nicholls Richardson Loram Norris Then one rider and two reserves from Stead, Barker and Harris. Top three pick themselves. Norris used to ride there and should hit full flight by the time of the SWC. Barker is revelation this year at Arlington and has a couple of away matches to prove his worth prior to the finals. Harris I just don't think can mix it match after match at this level.

Got my tix for Rybnik, but the swedes don't take credit cards! what sort of mickey mouse thing is this? Anyone got any ideas what to do? I can do a international transfer apparnetly - £18! And does anyone know when tix for Reading are available? B.

None of you may like it, but HA's problems with those that run this sport date back from his throttling off at Poole. Its not a challenge to say that - I just believe its true. Up until that time everything seemed to be going well enough wasn't it? You may not like it. I don't like lots of things. Doesn't make them any less true.

Richardson is a confusing rider. He certainly can do it, and I would bank on him coming from rank outsider at some meeting soon and getting in the final. I'm not saying he hasn't got problems, and maybe his whole game doesn't warrant his inclusion in the GP - I just think on his day, with the right head, he can do the job. As for HA. Remember the Poole SWC Final and look no further as to why he isn't there. He ruined the entire day and the boys that run the sport will not forget that in a hurry.

We're going to both semis and wondered what the bast way to get from Poland to weden would be? Can anyone tell me if its possible to get from one to the other, by train rather than flying?

Er, no he wasnt.

Greetings from Krsko! The company jollies this year having been rescheduled to fit in with certain speedway adventures - now that 50% of my staff (B-Eastie) are fully converted speedway nutters. Brilliant stuff yesterday. Loads of Brits here (mostly Eastie fans). Staying in same hotel as most of the riders and the Sky lot. Brilliant place - very pretty, dirt cheap. Food rubbish, beer good. Great atmosphere at the track, better than Wroclaw final even. Pedders was awesome yesterday and good luck to him. Reading back on these posts (well, its that or beetroot measli for breakfast) I am surprised and pleased that so many are pleased for Nicki. Cannot wait to see that final again as I couldnt believe it at the time. Winners; Pedders, Crump, Gollob, Scotty and Lee. Losers; TRick (though I like him, I am surprised so many don,t. And he let Zagar win for sure). Pepe, Bjarne and Hancock. If youre thinking about coming to one of these GPs next year, I reckon this is probably going to be hard to beat. Krsko itself like Royston Veysey without the glamour, but big Spa hotels cheap as anything.

A-HA! Thanks everyone. We're Ryanair to Krakow, Wizzair to Stockholm (flights £0.00!) and then Raynair back again after car hire. What with the rest of the week I am going to need some serious brownie points with the missus, but it'll be bloody marvelous!

Three of us are planning to take the three/four days to get to Rybnik, travle to Malilla, then return home morning after the second semi. Anyone got any ideas?

Who got the nod? I can't find that news anywhere!

Can anyone give me any travel tips to Krsko? Three of us are planning to come out if we can.

From FIM site: PROVISONAL 2006 CALENDAR FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP DATE ROUND COUNTRY STATUS 16th July Round 1 POLAND PROVISIONAL 18th July Round 2 SWEDEN PROVISIONAL 20th July Race-Off GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL 22nd July Final GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL

Just to say, ouple of weeks after the news and I have had time to reflect on my earlier kneee-jerk reaction about being glad he was left out. Well I have thought about it and just wanted you all to know I'm still laughing.

2006 CALENDAR FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP The team world championship – the FIM Speedway World Cup – will take place in three different countries. Poland host the opening round on Sunday 16 July. Round two will be staged in Sweden on Tuesday 18 July with the Race –Off and Final taking place in Great Britain on Thursday 20 July and Saturday 22nd July respectively. Venues will be confirmed by the end of November. PROVISONAL 2006 CALENDAR FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP DATE ROUND COUNTRY STATUS 16th July Round 1 POLAND PROVISIONAL 18th July Round 2 SWEDEN PROVISIONAL 20th July Race-Off GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL 22nd July Final GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL

2006 CALENDAR FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP The team world championship – the FIM Speedway World Cup – will take place in three different countries. Poland host the opening round on Sunday 16 July. Round two will be staged in Sweden on Tuesday 18 July with the Race –Off and Final taking place in Great Britain on Thursday 20 July and Saturday 22nd July respectively. Venues will be confirmed by the end of November. PROVISONAL 2006 CALENDAR FIM SPEEDWAY WORLD CUP DATE ROUND COUNTRY STATUS 16th July Round 1 POLAND PROVISIONAL 18th July Round 2 SWEDEN PROVISIONAL 20th July Race-Off GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL 22nd July Final GREAT BRITAIN PROVISIONAL

I'm with Wookieboy. I understand sweeping it under the carpet about as well as I understand tranvestism. We will never know if Nicholls could have won, but I reckon that BSI fancy keeping their GP series free from any possibility of questionable results. HA will always be 'that rider' to a lot of speedway fans. I think in retrospect he may regret it, but only becuase it'll cast a shadow over his entire career.

Oh please.... I can't prove their isn't a santa clause either. You want to be an apologist for a scandinavian stitch-up - good luck to you. How big a shot in the arm would every club have had last season off the back of a SWC success? How much more exposure, turnover and crowd numbers might we all have enjoyed? So, lets all feel sorry for Hans. Pass me a bucket.

Forgive me, but after costing GB the SWC at Poole I'll be saving my tears.

Perhaps there was some concern over his use of the throttle in certain situations.....