BATCHELOR: WE COULDN’T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER START

THURSDAY evening saw the Swindon Robins get their first home league win of the season, beating Norfolk rivals the King’s Lynn Stars 48 – 42 at the Abbey Stadium. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker was in the pits to get the reaction of Australian Troy Batchelor.

Two wins in two days for the Wiltshire club gave the leagues reigning champions the perfect start to what has been a delayed season so far. And Troy Batchelor admits the side couldn’t of asked for a better start to their title defence.  

“I don’t know if we could of asked for a better start.” Began Batchelor.

“We won the Charity Shield and have won both our league matches so far.

“It’s still very early in the season but it’s always great to get off to a winning start.” He added.

“It was a good night of racing tonight and it felt great to get the win.

“It’s still early doors and we need to stay focused on just picking up as many points as possible.” Said Batchelor.

After being axed from the King’s Lynn Stars side in controversial style midway through last season, Batchelor impressed on the night to score eleven points in total. However when questioned on whether the two sides faced so far were top teams, Batchelor was honest in his response.

“I’m not sure I agree with the comment about them being two top teams.” Stated Batchelor.

“It doesn’t matter who we are racing, or where we are riding, the goal is always to win meetings.

“If you can’t always win then you have to grab the bonus points on the road but it’s been so far so good for us.

“We want to beat any team we come up against and tonight was a good night.” He added.

Persistent rain through March has seen the British speedway season struggle to get started. But Batchelor insists this hasn’t been too much of a problem for himself after racing abroad has kept him ready for the year ahead.

“For everyone it’s been a little bit different so far with all the delays.” Explained Batchelor.

“Luckily I’ve been racing abroad where the weather has been good and managed to get some track time.

“Some of the boys have also managed to sneak a few meetings in as well, it’s just about trying to keep busy.

“It’s been a horrible start to the season but it’s not just us and thankfully the racing is now underway.” He said.

Racing in Swindon colours once again after two seasons away from the Abbey stadium has seen Batchelor have to establish himself in a new team. And the former GP star admits it’s been enjoyable getting to grips with his new teammates.

“ I’m enjoying my racing and for me the enjoyment should always be there.” Admitted Batchelor.

“ We always say that riding the bike is the easy part and the most fun. 

“But it’s the politics that seem to ruin the World and the sport at times.

“We have a great bunch of lads here and it’s been so much fun already.” He added.

“We have Polish, French, English, and Australian riders all in the same team and we’ve been having a fun time together already.

“It is great to be here at Swindon again and I’m just focused on myself to push forward and get back on top.” Said Batchelor.

Dropping just four points all night gained Batchelor the praise of fans and pundits alike, and the Australian ace told how experience in the sport has helped him to become a better rider.

“There is never really one key thing to a performance in speedway.” Said Batchelor.

“It’s a bunch of ingredients that you have to get right and the balance of everything is the most important factor.

“The older you get the more you understand what you need to do and how to get the best out your bike.” He added.