Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

, "As for the Prague track, I've been looking at videos to try and get some inside informa tion on the place because my knowledge is limited," Hamill said. "It's iinportant to get the series off to a good start, and I feel confident that 1 can do that, but 1know it will be tough." And what of the man whose crown Hamill robbed last year? Nielsen is still hurting from the last-gasp defeat in his home country last September as the Dane looks forward to having a go at adding to his four world titles. "I won't pretend that it was easy to take when Billy won after I had been leading the series aU the way through," ielsen said. "Although 1 was quick to congratulate him, 1 was very upset deep down. [ could see my chances slipping away after a couple of rides, and Billy was just on fire that night. It also proved to me again that whatever lead you build up in this sport, you cannot take anything for granted. Billy was always within reath, and 1 managed to keep him within arm's leDgth, but he came on strong at the end, and that's when.I knew I was up against it." Nielsen admitted that Hamill has been a good champion, but the "Main Dane" wants everyone to know that he is up for the challenge again. "I believe that this year's title could be decided on the last round, just like last year's, but 1 feel I can make a good start in Prague and signal my intentions," Nielsen said. Nielsen said that he stiu has the will to win and that he thinks he can, but he also has to admit that it will be tougher than ever because of the great riders in the series. One of them is Hancock, who had a good winter in Australia, not just because of his successful racing program but because of his engagement to longtime girlfriend Joanne. "Life is sweet right now," Hancock said. ''I'm really happy with the way things are going, particularly as I feel in good shape going into the meeting in Prague. To finish third last year gave me a taste of what 1 can achieve, and I hope to go even better this time around. To be World Champion is all I ever want from the sport, and I know 1 did well last year; but we need to do it all over again.." Swedes Henka Gustafsson and Tony Rickardsson are both expected to be up there challenging for a roslrun\ place at least. Both have been regarded as riders who are among the most spectacular in the world, and Rickardsson carries the distinction of being the last man to win the World Championship under the old, one-day format, having earned the gold in 1994. Since then, however, the Swede admits to having not quite done enough to be up there with the likes of Nielsen and Hamill. "Over the last two years, I hav,e been challenging with the rest of them for a time, but there has always been some- (Above) The challengers: Swedes Peter Karlsson (left) and Henka Gustafsson (right) are hoping to put together that dream season which will see either of them win their first world title, while four-time World Champion Hans Nielsen of Denmark (center) has designs on a fifth crown. (Right) Former World Champion Tony Rlckardsson believes he has what It takes to win a second championship under the GP format. Rickardsson was the last man ever to win a one-off World Final for the title. (Left) Sweden's Mikael Karlsson (left), shown here dicing with Hans Nielsen (right), will be having his second go at the Grands Prix. The fanner World Under 21 Champion is the brother of Peter Karlsson. improve, and 1 feel that has worked perfectly." thing to stand in my way," Rickardsson said. "Now I want to make sure that I can put six good rounds together. I feel pretty good about i.t because I've had the winter off for the first time in a while. 1 usually go to Australia; but I decided the best thing to do was stay at home and relax and feel much better for it this time, although it has taken me a bit longer to get into the swing of things." Nonetheless, Rickardsson said that he hopes to be reaching peak fitness by the time he gets to Prague, which should make him as sharp as the rest of his competitors. Gustafsson remains ambitious, but he is also keen to take one step at a time. First and foremost, that means securing his place in the 1998 Grands Prix. . "1 have always seemed to mess one ride up in every meeting, and yet a lot of time I have been able to beat riders like Billy and Hans," Gustafsson said. "People tell me they like to see me because I am spectacular, but that means nothing to me when 1 get out on the track and try and race, because 1 want to win rather than entertain." To win the championship, Gustafsson said that he will need to be consistent from the start. "1 think 1 can do well," Gustafsson said. "But it's important to make a good. start in the series, knowing that you are back in the top eight for next year, and then take it from there." Also ones to watch will be Swedish brothers Peter and Mikael Karlsson. Both ride for Wolverhampton in the British League, and both won league titles last season. Mikael Karlsson also did well enough in the Grand Prix Challenge meeting last October to secure a second chance at Grand Prix racing; he failed the first time out two years ago when he qualified as the World Under 21 Champion. "I feel better prepared this time, and 1 think 1 now have that extra experience to cope with the big boys in world racing," MikaeJ Karlsson said. "It will be just as tough, but I've beaten the top boys in British League and back home in Sweden, so there is no reason why I can't go au t and beat them at this level. 1 have studied my racing technique and other areas where 1 feel 1 need to Big brother Peter, meanwhile, finished on the rostrum in last season's German Grand Prix, which gave him a taste of the big time. The Swede could have what it takes to make an impression, but it may be more realistic to assume that the Karlsson brothers will have to wait another year or two before challenging for the title. Peter Karlsson doesn't think so. "Many people have said that to me," Peter Karlsson said. "And 1 want to go out and prove them wrong. I believe r can do it. 1 have enough experience under my belt now to go and beat the riders at this level on a regular basis, and 1 also have the determination in the first turn to mix it up with them. 1 haven't made the best of starts in league' racing with Wolverhampton, but there have been reasons for that and 1 know what those reasons are right now. 1 can see me getting it right in Prague." Brian Andersen of Denmark is another popular young rider who has qualified for the Grands Prix this year, and like Mikael Karlsson, Andersen did so from the GP Challenge. The former World Under 21 Champion is partnering with Greg Hancock at Coventry in the British League this season and believes that this is helping him improve as a rider. "To have Greg alongside me is briJliant, and it's good for the team as well," Andersen said. "I have already learned a fair bit from having Greg on the same team. It will be a new thing for me in the Grands Prix, but I really believe I can make a good go of it even though it will be very tough." The Grand Prix series is set to roar into action again, and if this year's resuIt remains in doubt until the final race of the final round like last year's did, then speedway fans could be in for a real treat. Many felt that the magic of the one-off World Final could never be replaced, but the excitement, thrills and spills of last year have proven that not to be the case. fN

• Cover