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Stefan Nielsen eager to show the Abbey what he can do
With a revamped Swindon Robins side ahead of the 2016 Elite League speedway season, Total Sport’s Ryan Walker got the low down on preparations with new-boy Stefan Nielsen.
Riding at reserve last season for the Belle Vue Aces, Nielsen knows what is required of his racing and admits that he is really excited to be in the Swindon set up.
“I’m definitely looking forward to racing for Swindon this season," he began.
“It’s a move that has been on the cards for quite a while now.
“I spoke to Alun Rossiter about three years ago now when the Elite League reserve draft first started and it's nice to finally be here," Nielsen added.
With five Australian riders making up the main body of the team, Nielsen joked that with him and Charles Wright being the only Brits, they will need to stick by one another.
“There is a lot of Australian’s here isn’t there," Nielsen joked.
“I’ve rode with most of them before so it isn’t too big of a deal for me.
“But me and Charles will need to stick with one another and remind them that they’re in Britain and we are British," he said with a laugh.
Reaching the Elite League grand final last year with Belle Vue at the expense of the Swindon Robins, Nielsen feels he learnt a lot about his riding that has made him a better racer.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things over the past couple of years and especially last year," Nielsen said.
“It was good to reach the final last year but I’ve learnt a heck of a lot over my years in the Elite League.
“I just hope I can keep learning, improving and getting better and better," he explained.
With the introduction of averages for reserve riders in the Elite League this year many will be eager to impress, but Nielsen doesn’t feel it is that big of a change and won't impact upon his racing.
“It’s ok I guess but I don’t think it changes that much," Nielsen said.
“It has always looked a bit funny when you look at the programme and the reserves don’t have an average.
“This year we will just have to wait and see how it goes. To be honest it’s a bit difficult to work out," he added.
“I’ve tried having a go at it myself but because you're not riding against the same riders as top riders so you kind of get a false average.
“I don’t have an average to aim for really I’m pretty Australian in the sense that I’m laid back about things like that," Nielsen added.
With a 363 metre racing track Swindon boast one of the biggest in the league, and Nielsen believes this suits his style perfectly.
“I have really enjoyed my time here and I feel that my style suits it pretty well,” Nielsen explained.
“It’s a pretty big track and in comparison to riding for Plymouth in the Premier League it will certainly be extremely different.
“It’s a challenge that I am looking forward to though and hopefully it will only improve my riding," he added.
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