WORLD CUP 2009

2009 WORLD CUP DRAW - posted 12 February 2009

1 Australia, 2 England, 3 Poland, 4 Wales, 5 Scotland, 6 Ireland

POLAND'S WORLD CUP SQUAD UNVEILED - posted 19 January 2009

For months there has been speculation about the strength of the Poland team travelling to Australia for the 2009 Cycle Speedway World Cup.  Now spokesman-online can exclusively report on the make up of the official party - and what a squad it is!!!  It's clear that the Poles are going all out to retain the trophy they won in such convincing style at Czestochowa in 2007.  Let's take a closer look at the squad.

Marcin Szymanski (Leszno)
Devoted to his sport, cycle speedway's reigning World champion does not compromise.  He takes his racing very seriously and has certainly elevated the whole sport to another level. He's finding it tough in freezing cold snowed-under Poland but is delighted to be back home for good.

Marcin Ganczarek (Leszno)
Coming out of his father-figure mentor Marcin Szymanski's shade, Maciek is a very confident rider and on his day is almost impossible to beat. Very strong around the track stamping his authority on international level now. Current European champion.

Lukasz Nowacki (Bydgoszcz)
Completes Wroclaw's three musketeers from last year's Euros rostrum.  Determined and consistent, but likes the number four too much - being fourth twice in World finals - in 2005 and 2007. Nowacki was voted in the top ten of Bydgoszcz's Sports Personality of the Year.

Rafal Dulinski (Torun)
Regarded by many as fastest gater in Poland, Rafal is definitely capable of reaching the top. He is young and hungry, having missed last year's rostrum at Rawicz by one point. In form Dulinski is a threat to the big boys, although he can be erratic and depends on the mood he's in. Not sure how will he like Oz's fast tracks.

Marcin Paradzinski (Torun)p
Marcin still hasn't recovered from his last World Chamionships in Poland where he was a top scorer but failed to make a rostrum place. He was one off the five involved in those infamous run offs, being controversally excluded. Capable of beating all the top riders, but often relies on luck and lacks self belief.

Przemek Binkowski (Torun)
Torun's hero. Przemek famously held off challenges of the World champion to bring Torun European Clubs Championships trophy at Leicester's showpiece early last season.  He impressed a lot of people in that event and if he's able to recreate that form he's in with a shout.

Darek Pilas (Leszno)
Reliable and consistant league rider, but many forget he reached 2007 World Final. Darek's healthy approach to the sport is much appreciated by many, and easy going nature makes him very likeable competitor. Easy to underestimate.

Artur Poprawski (Rawicz)
Forever young Artur started his career as a 13-year-old and was on the rostrum of most of the under-18s national championships since. After dominated the juniors scene Artur made his debut last year on his home track at Rawicz in National Team and won with them European Cup.

Pawel Kozlowski (Gniezno)
Sheffield's and Gniezno's stalwart Pawel knows what a World final means, reached it at Bury and Salisbury. Kozlowski might not be one of the favourites but deffinetely able to surprise many. He can win meetings and beat the best like at this years Midland Riders Championships.
 
Janusz Danek is the team manager.

The following riders are also likely to make the journey - M.Puk (Gniezno), K.Wlodarczyk (Rawicz), K.Gorniaczyk (Leszno), K.Cegielski (Torun) and M.Niedzielski (Torun) while R.Handke (Leszno) and M.Kolata (Ostrow) are possibilities.  Surprisingly only one junior has entered World events so far - K.Gorniaczyk.

Leszno, Gniezno and Torun wil contest the World Club Championship.

IRELAND'S WORLD CUP BOOST - posted 17 January 2009

New Irish internationals Steve (left) and Barry Copping pictured with Team Ireland sponsor Gill Mason of the Sibton White Horse Inn and Hotel.

Irish cycle speedway has received a giant boost with news that British Cycling has confirmed Barry and Steve Copping's eligibility to represent the country.  The pair will now compete for Ireland in the World Cup at Salisbury on 21 February.