Musielak: Easy decision to return to Swindon

TOBIASZ MUSIELAK insists he is ready to once again challenge for the British Premiership title with the Swindon Robins, as the Polish ace returns to the Abbey for a second season. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the Polish ace ahead of the opening action of the season.

Joining the Swindon Robins midway through the 2017 season, Musielak is hailed as being the missing link in the chain after his arrival turned the Swindon’s club fortunes around, helping them win the league title. And the Polish born rider admits it was an easy decision for him to return to the club.

“ It was such an easy decision for me.” Began Musielak.

“ Once all the papers were order I signed with closed eyes and it’s great to be back here.

“ We won the league title last year and we are all eager to get racing again.” He said.

Success ultimately brings expectation and after being crowned British champions last October, all eyes will be on the Robins to retain the title. However Musielak states that himself and his teammates aren’t putting any pressure on themselves.

“ I don’t think we are under lots of pressure like everyone is saying.” Stated Musielak.

“ We are doing our best all the time and we want to have fun on the track as well.

“ Of course we want to defend the title but this is speedway, this is life and you never know what will happen.

“ We just want to have fun and hopefully we will do well.” He added.

No space for Jason Doyle in the team means other riders will have to raise their game this year. But Musielak draws comparisons to last season’s success, making the point that the side will continue to thrive without the World Champion in their ranks.

“ If you look at last season, there were times when Jason was injured and not able to ride.” Explained the 24-year-old.

“ He has now been replaced by Batch [Troy Batchelor] and we have a really good team.

“ We need to show that we can defend the title and I’m sure we will do well this year.” He said.

One of only a handful of Polish riders in British Speedway makes Musielak a rarity in the league. And when asked what is stopping other Polish riders coming to England, he suggested the mind-set of his countrymen certainly plays a part.

“ Many of the young Polish riders ask me about England and English speedway in particular.” Said Musielak.

“ England for Polish riders always seems to be hard and I don’t know why.

“ Polish riders think riding in Britain is hard because of the amount of meetings and the amount of miles they have to travel.

“ But the Polish mentality has to change and hopefully we can see more guys racing over here.” He added.