szkocjasid

These days more often than not an 8.5 rider is a number one.

I know lots of people say Monarchs need to improve, pick a better team etc after a few disappointing seasons, but they finished above the 40 limit, so need to weaken the side (statistically) for next season.

With Lynn always having a strong reserve, means Boughen may only get 3 rides quite often. If save his 4th ride for heat 14 every match, then if the match (& BP) is decided give him a fourth outing, otherwise make a reserve change. Unless of course he's outperforming the number 6, but that isn't likely. How ruthless will the Lynn TM be?

I would say Schroeck is terrible, worse than Ermolenko imo. Both Oxford teams could have been stronger but they didn't use up their available points. Look at Poole & Belle Vue, both dropped reserves to try & strengthen up, didn't matter that they were already safe in a play-offs position. Winning mentality at those clubs.

Actually you're incorrect. We get the same mistake rolled out by posters every year.

No chance it was a random draw. I think it should be. The BSN is already regionalised. Also means there's less chance of a local derby for the final, although Oxford & Poole managed to miss each other this year.

Brilliant idea! That way they can use the same guests throughout the competition (unless replacing their own riders, racing for the opposition).

Schlein would be 5.39 (converted Champ ave) although it's kinda irrelevant. Birmingham will probably be miles under the limit, so won't have to worry about averages. The likes of Zagar, who I think would drop his average, would still be on my list of worthwhile signings, because they don't have many options. Need to sign the best 6 left available.

You don't actually have to win any races away from home to become Champions. Not that if expect anyone other than Ipswich to win the league. But that doesn't mean they can't have a successful season (top 4 spot). Obviously heats 13 & 15 will be tough, but it's not like Lynn will lose a 5-1 in every 13 & 15.

Nope, Cook will be at 1. It's happened a few times before, any reductions count for both team building & riding order.

Still think it should have been later in the season, for example hold the British semi final, British final & Championship riders Championship on the same days as the Polish Final (it's over 3 rounds). Won't be any clashes with Polish fixtures on these days.

I notice they didn't announce Ben Cook as their "new number one" maybe thought people wouldn't praise the signing as much knowing he's at 1?

I honestly don't think they look that far ahead. Max Perry for example wouldn't have had a team if they didn't change the rules after most teams were complete. This shouldn't need to happen if they planned ahead better!

Totally agree, if you're good enough to be racing against Doyle, Sayfutdinov, Bewley etc surely you're too good to compete against Mark Parker & Jack Shimelt etc al

I'm not as confident as you, but glad the team looks better than in recent years.

A team of Covatti, Barker, Joe T, Bowtell, Hagon & Baek would leave 6.88 for a second heat leader.

BSN should be the priority to finish first, with so few league fixtures they shouldn't be concerned with completing them before the end of August, should be easy to do.

He'd be a good signing with 4.2 available for a final rider, but I suspect Birmingham will be well under the limit, so not looking for reserves.

Not a fan of having the riders championship early, means riders are picked for their 2024 form not 2025. For example Tate Zischke could end up being one of the top riders in the league but miss out on the CRC because of his starting average.

Poole wouldn't have entered under those circumstances. If the Premiership wants 8 teams in the Cup, this is how it had to be done.

Totally agree with you. Hasn't ridden 10 consecutive seasons in his career, let alone with the same club.

The only way Poole could build a competitive side without using Premiership riders would be to include Robert Lambert & Scott Nicholls for example. Anyway there's no reason other riders would be "cup tied" guests are allowed in the league, KOC & play-offs. Don't see why Poole borrowing riders is any less credible?

Would be good if the Poole KOC side was a mixture of this year & next year's team, rather than a team of guests. For example (rumoured line-ups) Sheffield 1. J Holder 2. A Rowe 3. C Holder 4. J Pickering 5. T Woffinden 6. D Gilkes 7. L Flint Poole 1. M Janowski 2. Z Cook 3. R Lawson 4. T Brennan 5. B Cook 6. L Kerr 7. V Foord Would these teams not pull in a big crowd?

But every Ipswich rider races for other clubs, not sure how Brennan riding for Poole in the KOC is a great risk? Could just as easily get injured riding in Poland or even guesting for a play-off rival in the Premiership.

I would've like to have seen an effort made into limiting guests or at least teams not being able to strengthen themselves with a use of guest. But they'd never vote for that in case it hurts their own team.