Post by speedyguy on Aug 18, 2016 14:49:34 GMT
GREAT Britain boss Alun Rossiter insists his side can move on without Tai Woffinden in their plans.
The reigning World Champion has made himself unavailable for selection for the 2017 FIM Speedway World Cup just weeks after leading Team GB to their first silver medal in 12 years.
Rossiter admits the loss of Woffinden is a huge blow – but he is still backing the Wolves man in his quest to win a third World Championship.
He is hopeful Woffinden will represent Great Britain again in the future, although he is keen to focus on the riders who are available moving forwards.
“Obviously I’m disappointed in Tai’s decision, but I fully respect it,” said Rossiter.
“It’s his call at the end of the day, and we have to just move on. We wish him well and we hope he can go on to win the World Championship again representing Great Britain.
“We thank him for his great efforts for us over the years, and we’ll be working hard now as a team to build on the performance we put in at Belle Vue.
“We’d love to see him back in a Great Britain race jacket at some stage because we know what a top quality rider he is.
“We had a very successful World Cup this year, but although he played a massive part it was a team effort.
“We’ll be looking at the other guys in and around the team to step it up and make the most out of the opportunity.
“We’ve got things in the pipeline which I feel will benefit the rest of the lads moving forwards, so things are still looking positive for Team GB.”
Photo: Alun Rossiter.
The reigning World Champion has made himself unavailable for selection for the 2017 FIM Speedway World Cup just weeks after leading Team GB to their first silver medal in 12 years.
Rossiter admits the loss of Woffinden is a huge blow – but he is still backing the Wolves man in his quest to win a third World Championship.
He is hopeful Woffinden will represent Great Britain again in the future, although he is keen to focus on the riders who are available moving forwards.
“Obviously I’m disappointed in Tai’s decision, but I fully respect it,” said Rossiter.
“It’s his call at the end of the day, and we have to just move on. We wish him well and we hope he can go on to win the World Championship again representing Great Britain.
“We thank him for his great efforts for us over the years, and we’ll be working hard now as a team to build on the performance we put in at Belle Vue.
“We’d love to see him back in a Great Britain race jacket at some stage because we know what a top quality rider he is.
“We had a very successful World Cup this year, but although he played a massive part it was a team effort.
“We’ll be looking at the other guys in and around the team to step it up and make the most out of the opportunity.
“We’ve got things in the pipeline which I feel will benefit the rest of the lads moving forwards, so things are still looking positive for Team GB.”
Photo: Alun Rossiter.
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