Post by schumi on May 23, 2009 16:53:48 GMT
So here's the PR from Swindon's website:
SWINDON have signed twenty six year old Slovenian Matej Zagar as a temporary replacement for the injured Troy Batchelor.
Zagar, a former Grand Prix regular, will make his Robins' debut on Monday when Alun Rossiter's side travel to Peterborough on Monday (25th May).
The Slovenian has an array of International experience and last rode in this Country for Reading in 2007.
His British career begun with the defunct Trelawny Tigers in 2003 before moving to Reading on loan in 2004. He raced to an impressive 10.45 average in that first season with Racers and, the Smallmead bosses quickly made him a full asset of the club before the tapes rose for the following season.
2005 saw Zagar finish top of the Premier League averages and, when Reading moved back into British speedway’s top flight for 2006 it seemed the ideal time for the multi-Slovenian Champion to try his luck in the Elite League.
Those who doubted Zagar’s ability to make the step up were made to eat their words, as some impressive scores home and away played a major part in the Bulldogs reaching the Sky Sports Elite League Grand Final.
2006 also saw Zagar come of age on the World Championship scene. He was awarded a permanent wild card spot for the 2006 Grand Prix series, but has no such worries about his place in 2007 as a final standing of seventh place in 2006 ensures his qualification for next season.
His best performance in his debut season in the grands prix was a second place behind Hans Andersen in the Czech Republic and, also had a third place behind World Champion Jason Crump and Greg Hancock in Poland.
Zagar linked up with Reading again in 2007 but a turbulent season for the Berkshire club saw the Slovenian depart prematurely.
His inclusion back amongst British speedway is sure to excite and the flamboyant racer is expected to bring some stability to the Swindon middle order during Batchelor's absence.
Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter said:
"It’s a good signing for us and a lot of credit goes to Gary Patchett who has put a lot of work in very quickly to make sure the move went ahead.
Matej's a very confident sort of guy and I don’t mind that. I know how to handle him and I’m really excited about him coming in.
“It shows what sort of club we’re about when we can attract a ride of his calibre. Matej's inclusion will help strengthen the middle order of the squad and we are excited about seeing him ride in Swindon colours on Monday at Peterborough'
Wasn't Troy only injured on Thursday? Maybe Patch can give a couple of his riders some tips on getting things done fast.
Sweden's newspapers are reporting Troy could be out for up to 8 weeks.
SWINDON have signed twenty six year old Slovenian Matej Zagar as a temporary replacement for the injured Troy Batchelor.
Zagar, a former Grand Prix regular, will make his Robins' debut on Monday when Alun Rossiter's side travel to Peterborough on Monday (25th May).
The Slovenian has an array of International experience and last rode in this Country for Reading in 2007.
His British career begun with the defunct Trelawny Tigers in 2003 before moving to Reading on loan in 2004. He raced to an impressive 10.45 average in that first season with Racers and, the Smallmead bosses quickly made him a full asset of the club before the tapes rose for the following season.
2005 saw Zagar finish top of the Premier League averages and, when Reading moved back into British speedway’s top flight for 2006 it seemed the ideal time for the multi-Slovenian Champion to try his luck in the Elite League.
Those who doubted Zagar’s ability to make the step up were made to eat their words, as some impressive scores home and away played a major part in the Bulldogs reaching the Sky Sports Elite League Grand Final.
2006 also saw Zagar come of age on the World Championship scene. He was awarded a permanent wild card spot for the 2006 Grand Prix series, but has no such worries about his place in 2007 as a final standing of seventh place in 2006 ensures his qualification for next season.
His best performance in his debut season in the grands prix was a second place behind Hans Andersen in the Czech Republic and, also had a third place behind World Champion Jason Crump and Greg Hancock in Poland.
Zagar linked up with Reading again in 2007 but a turbulent season for the Berkshire club saw the Slovenian depart prematurely.
His inclusion back amongst British speedway is sure to excite and the flamboyant racer is expected to bring some stability to the Swindon middle order during Batchelor's absence.
Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter said:
"It’s a good signing for us and a lot of credit goes to Gary Patchett who has put a lot of work in very quickly to make sure the move went ahead.
Matej's a very confident sort of guy and I don’t mind that. I know how to handle him and I’m really excited about him coming in.
“It shows what sort of club we’re about when we can attract a ride of his calibre. Matej's inclusion will help strengthen the middle order of the squad and we are excited about seeing him ride in Swindon colours on Monday at Peterborough'
Wasn't Troy only injured on Thursday? Maybe Patch can give a couple of his riders some tips on getting things done fast.
Sweden's newspapers are reporting Troy could be out for up to 8 weeks.