Great Britain were crowned World Champions for the second time in three years in front of a delighted home crowd at Belle Vue’s National Speedway Stadium on Saturday.
It was a case of “Deja Belle Vue” for the squad of Robert Lambert, Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan, who were the trio whjo had also taken Team G.B. to that famous victory in 2021.
The week-long Speedway of Nations competition showcased the Manchester circuit and again reaffirmed its reputation as one of the best tracks in the world, with the track-staff having to battle the elements to provide four outstanding meetings in five days despite the poor weather.
Rain threatened both semi-finals as 15 nations set out on the quest for the title, but it was favourites Sweden and Poland who eased through the first semi-final along with Germany.
Denmark and Australia comfortably came through the second semi with surprise qualifiers Latvia grabbing the last place ahead of the unfortunate Czechs who missed out when Jan Kvech fell in the last race.
That set up Saturday’s Final, with the weather finally being kind, as host nation Great Britain joined the six qualifiers to battle for the world title.
It was Germany who set off as shock leaders with a 7-2 win over Denmark and a 6-3 win over Sweden in their first two races.
Belle Vue’s Dan Bewley looked down on power, running two last places, as G.B. went down 5-4 to Australia and 5-4 to Denmark in their opening rides.
But a change of bike for the third ride saw Bewley storm to victory as the Lions romped to a 7-2 win over Germany.
A 6-3 win for Britain, with world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik finishing last, really dented the Polish chances, and after 4 races apiece, Australia led on 23, with G.B. on 21, Germany 20, Sweden 19, and the Poles surprisingly back in sixth place on 15.
By now Britain were really flying and Lambert and Bewley finished with 7-2 maximums over Sweden and Latvia to go to the top of the leaderboard.
With the top scorers going straight into the Grand Final only Australia could pip them as they lined up against Poland in the final heat.
And a sensation ride from Jack Holder and Brady Kurtz saw them come from the back to pass both Poles as Australia secured a 7-2 win which confirmed then as top qualifiers, and dumped Poland out of the top three.
With Australia into the Grand Final race, that meant G.B. had to face Sweden in the Grand Final qualifier.
World No.2 Freddie Lindgren was quick away, but the Lions packed the minor places to ensure their place in the Grand Final.
A nail-biting final saw Lambert take the lead, with Bewley stuck in third between the two Aussies. With Holder trying to block Bewley, Aces’ teammate Kurtz came around the outside on the second lap.
But as Holder was looking for his Aussie teammate, Bewley cut back off the fourth bend to pass them both on the inside, bringing the crowd to their feet.
With two more laps to hold on, Great Britain were again crowned world team champions.
It’s a return to regular domestic team action for Belle Vue tonight as the Aces travel to Oxford in a Premiership clash.
Belle Vue bring in Workington’s Antti Vuolas as a replacement for the injured Tate Zischke at No.6, but have been dealt a further blow with Rising Star Connor Bailey also missing after taking time out due to mental fatigue.
The Aces face the return fixture with Oxford at Belle Vue’s National Stadium on Monday.
Meanwhile, Belle Vue Colts have swooped to capture the signature of brilliant British prospect William Cairns, who links up with the Cool Running Colts in the National League for the remainder of the season.
The 15-year-old has caught the attention of promoters across the country, but Cairns has made the National Speedway Stadium his choice of home track for 2024.
He made his NDL debut as a guest for Scunthorpe at Oxford on Sunday, top-scoring for the Stags with 19 points from seven rides.
Jack Shimelt is the man to make way for Cairns, but club bosses have confirmed that he still has a role to play in the team and will now take up the position as the Colts’ No.8.
Colts co-boss Steve Williams said: “Will has been on our radar for some time and we knew that with his talent, it would only be a matter of time before he was snapped up, once he’d turned 15.”
“It was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss and we’re thrilled to have him on board with us at Belle Vue. He’s an amazing talent and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him in action.”
“We’re grateful to Jack Shimelt for his efforts this season and we cannot stress enough how much value he still has at this club, and we will continue to work with him as our No.8 moving forward.”
Cairns said: “I’m super excited to be linking up with Belle Vue for the rest of 2024. I love the National Speedway Stadium and this club was up there as my top choice to race for.”
“I made my NDL debut guesting for Scunthorpe a couple of days ago and it was a really demanding afternoon, but I really enjoyed myself and I can’t wait to have my first meeting for Belle Vue.”
“I feel like I can bring a lot to the team. I’m good friends with quite a few of the boys already and the team spirit is really good so I’m looking forward to it.”