TheOpinion

Seems to be some collective amnesia over the way these things usually pan out. It's never won on paper and the season always throws up surprises.

Not sure about Etheridge at 2 myself but very possible. Though I guess we could see him and Allen switching places into the season. I'd be happy with Tungate though. On form he's one of the best to watch around the NSS.

One thing's for sure, we're gonna be team Australia next year

Sorry yeah I meant Allen and 2 more.

Allen and another?

12.24 I think...

Fair enough. What possibilities we looking at for the final two then?

Pretty sure Crump is in at this point too. How much does that leave for the final one?

Rode for the same club for the majority of his peak years in Britain, even when they were naff. Plus, exactly how many riders these days are in a position to put "loyalty" ahead of everything else? Or do you mean he thinks of no one else on the track? Not sure I'd go with that either. Maybe when he was flying as a no.1, but not now.

Personally don't think he's a bad shout as a second string or even a reserve, but I understand why others have doubts. Or maybe he's gonna be the new boss!

Crump at the Manchester Sports Awards with the BV management last night...anything in that?

Is Peter Kildemand a possibility? Originally in the 2020 team plans, could get another shot.

Tungate has definitely been one of my favourite riders to watch around the NSS so far, so I wouldn't be mad at that.

From what I heard last season I would be very surprised to see Cook back at BV under the current setup. I would like it though. Any chance of Zagar? Or Bjerre?

That leaves 11.35 I think. I could be wrong though.

Fricke Batchelor Kurtz Crump Zagar Rowe Brennan I'm just messing, but it fits...

On the contrary, I think given the standard of riders available this year it'd probably be one of the stronger teams. On par with the others at the very least.

Mark Lemon just confirmed on BV YouTube that Max and Bjerre are both giving Britain a miss this year. Also spoke of another signing he's very excited about. Mentioned that we were close to signing him last year, and he ended up having a very good season - probably Wright?

I think the team will be stronger throughout though. Dan will push on and Wright will be a great signing. As you said, reserves will be better too - esp with Lidsey there.

Etheridge at 7?

P sure they all do (along with another reserve) except maybe Fricke...

Fricke, Bjerre, Cook, Zagar, C. Holder - who out of those fits and is likely? If none of those, then who?

Surely it's not. It must be with a view to having Lidsey at reserve.

You heard we've signed those 5 specifically, or are they educated guesses?

Kurtz, Wright, Bewley and Lidsey all feel realistic/likely for various reasons. That would leave 16.81 for the remaining 3 riders. I do hope Max stays, but if not then there are other ways to build a successful team.