Tours by visiting riders aiming to put themselves in the shop window for a British League place are not new. In 1998 a touring Russian team visited several Elite League and Premier League tracks. Edinburgh were upset not to be allocated a visit on that occasion. Subsequently, in 1999, there was a tour by a Swedish Under-23 side featuring an number of highly rated riders including Emil Lindqvist and Bjorn Gustaffsson, who both subsequently signed for Newport.
None of these touring sides have ventured into Scotland. However, over the next seven, two touring sides will visit Scotland. The Swedish Under-23 team will be at Glasgow on Sunday while Friday sees the arrival of a touring team from the Czech Republic at Armadale.
The Swedish team to visit Ashfield is:
1. Daniel Nermark
2. Andreas Bergstrom
3. Bjorn Gustafsson
4. Tobias Johansson
5. Patrik Dybeck
6. Emil Kramer
7. Freddie Eriksson.
Following their failure to win in four meetings so far this season, Glasgow have admitted that they will be keeping a weather eye on the progress of the riders at Ashfield and in other matches on their tour. Tigers General Manager Bob Sneddon commented:
"Most of the Swedish side that are here are not contracted to British clubs and given the success that we have had with Poty Sanchez, maybe there are more of his quality on the continent. We must continue to compile a dossier on these riders, and we already have good information on some of these guys, and if a space presents itself, we must be in position to move quickly."
"The management were very disappointed with the results over the weekend, but it is a long season and these boys know we have faith in them, but we must be a winning side this season."
This must make ominous reading for under-pressure heat leader, Richard Juul who has struggled so far apart from a good showing at Workington. Richard was always going to struggle to maintain his massive converted 9.36 average. Richard has been known to take a bit of time to get going at the start of a season. However, two highly unconvincing home meetings have probably put him under threat if his scoring does not improve quickly.
One of the Swedish riders, Patrik Dybeck was linked with Monarchs over the close season in the press although interest was denied by the Monarchs' promotion.
No doubt the Monarchs promotion will also be taking a look at the Swedish and Czech tourists for future reference.
[This news item was added on April 7th 2000]