Speedway – Riss back and he promises more for Monarchs

Erik Riss, a double World Longtrack Champion, is the first rider to be confirmed by Edinburgh Monarchs for the new season.

The German-born racer Erik made the announcement from the FIM Gala in Berlin where the high-achievers of 2016 in motorcycling were being honoured.

Alex Harkess was there alongside him (in his capacity as BSPA President) and Erik said: “Yes I am back with the Monarchs in 2017 and I am very happy about that. I intend to do better than I did in 2016.”

Erik started the year with a 5.22 average from his debut season and hiked that up in 2016 to 6.85. The smart money says that figure will increase next season.

However, he would like to double up in the UK by riding in the Elite League and added: “If I get a club, then I just want to do the UK. If I don’t get a club then I might do Denmark again.”

Meanwhile, Monarchs 100 Fundraising Group announced that they had raised £1,950 from Saturday’s Race Night, and the next event will be a light-hearted Burns Supper on Saturday 28 January in the Mayfield Inn, Dalkeith.