Tactical Joker

Hope the ABBA Museum tomorrow is better. Enjoyable but not a classic, the track didn't seem to be one of the better temporary tracks for some reason. Certainly didn't see Zagar winning after scraping into the semi final on 7 points, but congratulations to him, points when he needed them. Shame about Emil, started the meeting superbly but then it all fell away. Doyle nearly there now but best not to count chickens. All the talk about starting but Doyle showed how to do it, just sit still and react to the tapes rather than guessing. Simple but it seems to work for him. Certainly the ref was holding the tapes longer than usual, but seemed pretty consistent. Atmosphere was indeed a bit flat, no free flags on the seats to wave, although Lindback did have crowd cheering with his win in heat 4, however it may appeared on TV. Thorssell didn't do Lindgren any favours taking him wide in heat 12 and with the two top Swedes just getting 8 points each after 20 heats there wasn't much more for them to make a noise about. Compared to previous years it looked like the budget had been cut. Some strange music too, haven't heard Fox on the Run by Sweet since the mid 70s. At least someone had a sense if humour playing 'I get knocked down' after Kildemand fell, doubt Holder saw the joke though.

Yes the Vasa Museum is fascinating. Spent ages in there, which is why I ran out of time for anything else last year. Was in two minds whether to go this year, but then thought why not. It will be interesting to see the attendance figures.

Surprisingly quiet thread. Am I the only person from the UK going? (Ryanair permitting) Stockholm is a beautiful city so well worth the trip, the speedway is a bonus. Might even visit the ABBA museum this time! Have a nagging doubt that Lindback may put the cat amongst the pigeons in this one. I'd put my money on Doyle who has indeed been quiet of late, but would like to see Lindgren as top scorer.

First time visit to Armadale. Initial impressions were a bit of a shock, it is rather basic, but that mustn't detract from all the hard work to get the meeting on in the first place. Firstly the Workington match (52-40). Highlight was Erik Riss beating Craig Cook in heats 11, 13 and 15. Solid team effort from the Monarchs which was simply too good for the Comets. Matt Williamson at No.4 scoring 0 from 4 rides didn't help the Comet's cause. Then the Witches. With R/R at No.2 netting 0 points, and then losing guest Thomas Jorgensen again without troubling the scorers, the 48-44 final result was much closer than expected. 13 rides from the two reserves, a great effort. Once again Rory Schlein was excellent, and Danny King managed to get the vital 6 point tactical ride home. Under different circumstances could easily have been an away win. Ricky Wells deserves a mention as well as Erik Riss, 24 and 25 points respectively over the two matches, both were excellent and the foundation for the Monarch's two victories. A very well organised meeting to get the 30 heats in by 22.00, credit to everyone involved. Finally Ed the Monarch (the mascot) was also on top form, predicting in the program a 52-38 result against the Comets, and a 48-42 result against the Witches. Got both Monarch's scores correct and only undone by the tactical rides and an unusual 3-2 heat result. Ask for his lottery numbers tonight.

Very fair summing up. Positives: Lewis Kerr did a professional job as guest and everyone else chipped in. Rory Schlein Is a pleasure to watch in this form too. Negatives: The awful 'music' while the power cut was attended to, but fortunately with the sound system it was difficult to actually hear it anyway. Hopefully Edinburgh is on tomorrow night, and we put up a decent show.

Vojens is fine, although a bit of a hike from the station for those of us that use public transport. Horsens was a decent venue, close to the action, but given the choice though I'd prefer a traditional track to a temporary one. Amsterdam would be preferable to Melbourne in my book, but would for the reasons already stated be a big gamble. I'd go but would 40,000 others? It seems a shame that what is potentially the deciding GP of the series is held where the vast majority that attend some of the European GPs simply can't get to for geographical or financial reasons. As for the UK, can't think of anywhere better than Cardiff. The London Stadium doesn't have the supporting hospitality, there aren't that many bars in Stratford Westfield, and Wembley presumably wouldn't come cheap. That's before you factor in the weather.

Been to Warsaw for the past three years, including the first year debacle. As with most Polish websites a bit of patience is required but I can't recall any difficulties. Just keep an eye out for when they go on sale and don't leave it too late.

That's a good summing up of last night. No doubt helped by only one of Glasgows top three showing top form, but I agree Nathan deserved MOTM. Danny's paid max just couldn't be ignored I guess.

Yep, and then a 2-7 in heat 11 and the match is back on. Well done to Edinburgh but 36-24 with 5 heats remaining really should be sufficient. Hopefully the riders benefit collection collected a few bob though.

Well I for one enjoy the pair of them. Not an easy job (not that I've tried). Haven't watched the recording yet, having been there last night, but it will be interesting to see if I agree with the comments regarding Suzi Perry's presentation. Natalie Quirk is excellent, and now Scott Nicholls doesn't answer every question with ''definitely" they make a good pair too.

Just found this forum so thought I'd chip in my 2p worth. So many sporting events don't consider those that travel by public transport. I got back home by train to Ipswich last night, but had to miss the fireworks to play safe. An earlier start would be preferable but that cuts down valuable drinking time, although I agree for the odd few (not just Poles) that wouldn't be a bad thing. Cardiff is expensive compared to other European GPs. Cheap air fares to Eastern European destinations make Krsko (stay in Ljubljana) Warsaw, and Prague better value for money. Even Horsens only cost me similar to Cardiff, and Denmark isn't cheap. As for the event itself, well the racing was certainly enjoyable, heat 11 anyone? The only annoyance was the 'music' before the event, which given the age profile attending was not perhaps particularly appropriate, but seems to be part of generating an 'atmosphere'. After all that will I return next year?, yes, thoroughly enjoyable day out.