BATCHELOR: SUCCESS FOR SWINDON IS BEING NUMBER ONE

TROY BATCHELOR expressed his delight at the new track at the Abbey Stadium when speaking following last nights 45-45 draw against the Poole Pirates. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the Swindon number three in the aftermath of the meeting.

After rushing preparations to have their new track ready for the start of the season, many were worried whether the Swindon Robins would be ready for the start of the season. However, after riding to 12 points against Poole, Batchelor admitted it was great to be riding on the new shale. 

“It’s getting there and when anything is new it takes a bit of time to get everything sorted but it turned out quite well,” said Batchelor.

“We’re pretty happy and everyone needs to work together.

“Communication is always key in every job and hopefully we can win some stuff because a good track can earn you a lot of points.

“As Adam [Ellis] said, we are the only team to ride on this track so we now have that advantage,” he said,

Now entering his second consecutive season at the Abbey Stadium following his return to the club last year, Batchelor is a key figure within Alun Rossiter’s squad. 

And Batchelor highlighted how a good team spirit in the side will be crucial to success this season. 

“We all get on well and everybody knows each other,” he said.

“Me and Doyley [Jason Doyle] do some training with each other over the winter and we’re good friends.

“Everyone seems to work together in this side and it’s not like when you have a whole team of seven individuals. Most of us know each other whether from riding together or someone else.

“It’s a good vibe in the team,” said Batchelor.

Narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season ensured Swindon failed in their attempts to defend their 2017 Premiership title. 

But lasts seasons failures don’t seem to have dampened spirits with Batchelor insisting Swindon are aiming for the top this year.

“Success is being number one,” said Batchelor.

“You first look at tonight’s meeting and then the one following that and so on and see how things are shaping up.

“You can have the same riders each year and they don’t perform. It’s good that tonight was a cup meeting and not a league meeting with a new track,” he said.