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Rossiter reflects on Team GB's inspired World Cup final performance

A fantastic night of adrenaline-fuelled Speedway on Saturday evening at the Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Final, saw Team GB provide the upset of the tournament by claiming a silver medal, finishing in second place overall. Total Sport's Ryan Walker was on hand to get the emotional reaction of Team GB and Swindon Robins manager Alun Rossiter.

Prior to the final event, manager Rossiter insisted the aim was to achieve a rostrum finish but few could of expected his side to outscore both Australia and Sweden to finish in second place overall. And, when asked for his thoughts, Rossiter admitted he was overwhelmed by his side’s achievement.

“It was an amazing achievement and I am so proud of all the lads,” Rossiter began.

“We were definitely the underdogs going into the final but that didn’t hold us back at all.

“We have a great Captain in Tai [Woffinden] and he certainly did a fantastic job for us on Saturday night.

“Getting that silver medal is such a special achievement," he added.

Going into the last four heats of the evening, Great Britain were just two points behind leaders Poland. And while he wanted to win gold, Rossiter told how he had to keep the riders level and calm at such a crucial time.

“To be honest I was thinking that we could win the gold medal at that stage,” admitted Rossiter.

“When you’re in a position like that, you have to think big. Otherwise I shouldn’t be Team GB manager.

“We needed to keep our head on our shoulders as well and we certainly did that.

“Poland just had the edge on the night and full credit to them.” He said.

With an average squad age of just twenty-five, many saw Rossiter’s squad decision as a risky one. However the Team GB manager didn’t see things that way and told Total Sport of how he will continue to put his faith in young British talent.

“Some people criticised my decision to pick this squad but it was the right decision," said Rossiter.

“It’s not about proving people wrong but this team has done fantastic.

“Robert [Lambert] is the youngest in the squad but if he continues the way he is going then he is going to be a top talent and I’ll stand by him.” He added.

On approach to the Speedway World Cup Final, much hysteria was created on social media with people doubting Captain Tai Woffinden’s commitment to the Team GB cause. But scoring 19 points on the night extinguished any doubts and Rossiter spoke of how tired he was of disheartening claims.

“I’m sick and tired of having to defend Tai [Woffinden]," stated Rossiter.

“He doesn’t need the stick and he has more than proved his commitment to Team GB.

“Tai led like a true captain at the World Cup both on the track and off it in the pits," he added.

“ He has been so involved it’s been fantastic and I couldn’t have asked any more off of him.

“Tai and the rest of the boys have made their country extremely proud," Rossiter added.

Scoring 19 out of Great Britain’s 32 points total, Woffinden certainly was the main driving force behind the home side. However Rossiter states it was a team effort.

“ It wasn’t just about Tai, it was a whole team effort.” Said Rossiter.

“ All the boys chipped in with some good points and whilst Tai was the main force he couldn’t of done it without the other lads.

“ All the boys worked extremely hard and deserve their medals.

“ They did all the hard work and I was just their to steer the ship home," the boss added.