Post by wantagekings on Feb 1, 2017 14:13:08 GMT
The Wantage Kings have made further changes to the line-up as the alarm bells started ringing as the team slumped to the bottom after a season of struggles and inconsistency.
It could potentially mean an end of an era as club stalwart and captain Lars Meldgaard loses his place along with close season signing Olle Runeberg. In their place come Canadian Wilbur Stanyk, joining on a Euro loan from Rome Ravens and young Aussie Harry Warren who will ride at reserve with Jamie Airey.
Craig Richardson explains the changes. "We realised things weren't really working a few weeks back, and to be honest could have made several changes back then. It was fairly obvious that only 1 or 2 riders were safe, in fact Rhett Hodge, who was first to lose his place was more down to circumstance then his own performances. But we didnt want to make any panicked decisions and felt that Lars & Olle deserved longer in the side and would make us stronger. But now we feel we need to make changes quickly so that the situation doesnt become irreversible.
While we haven't closed the door on Lars, it could well be the end of a glittering career with the Kings. He has been a fantastic captain and servant to the club and we hope he can find another club - maybe in a lower league. Fillippe Chong will take over the captaincy. He may only be 20, but he is exceptionally mature and feel that he is more than capable of taking on that extra responsibility. All of the other riders look up to him so he seemed like the right choice.
The new riders coming in are both new to this country, though Wilbur Stanyk has experience on the international stage. He came to prominence with a surprise runners up spot a few years back in the American Championships and has had 2 great seasons at Rome. We feel he could be a big rider for us, and will hopefully strengthen our top order.
Less is known about Harry Warren, and he has been making steady progress on the under 21 scene. He is a very determined rider with plenty of raw talent so hopefully will settle in quickly and form a strong pairing with Jamie Airey.
Elsewhere there were mixed fortunes for all Kings assets in the regional qualifiers. Only new signing Wilbur Stanyk will be riding in the GP challenge semis and Fillippe Chong, who is inelegible finally lost his Australasian crown after winning the last 2 years.
The full list of Kings assets:
Joe Finch British semis
Matija Petkovic European final 9th
Kenni Algreen Scandinavian semis
Yrjo Eskilinen Scandinavian semis
Olle Runeberg Scandinavian semis
Wilbur Stanyk American final 4th Qualified for GP challenge semis
Rhett Hodge Australasian semis
Fillippe Chong Australasian final 4th
It could potentially mean an end of an era as club stalwart and captain Lars Meldgaard loses his place along with close season signing Olle Runeberg. In their place come Canadian Wilbur Stanyk, joining on a Euro loan from Rome Ravens and young Aussie Harry Warren who will ride at reserve with Jamie Airey.
Craig Richardson explains the changes. "We realised things weren't really working a few weeks back, and to be honest could have made several changes back then. It was fairly obvious that only 1 or 2 riders were safe, in fact Rhett Hodge, who was first to lose his place was more down to circumstance then his own performances. But we didnt want to make any panicked decisions and felt that Lars & Olle deserved longer in the side and would make us stronger. But now we feel we need to make changes quickly so that the situation doesnt become irreversible.
While we haven't closed the door on Lars, it could well be the end of a glittering career with the Kings. He has been a fantastic captain and servant to the club and we hope he can find another club - maybe in a lower league. Fillippe Chong will take over the captaincy. He may only be 20, but he is exceptionally mature and feel that he is more than capable of taking on that extra responsibility. All of the other riders look up to him so he seemed like the right choice.
The new riders coming in are both new to this country, though Wilbur Stanyk has experience on the international stage. He came to prominence with a surprise runners up spot a few years back in the American Championships and has had 2 great seasons at Rome. We feel he could be a big rider for us, and will hopefully strengthen our top order.
Less is known about Harry Warren, and he has been making steady progress on the under 21 scene. He is a very determined rider with plenty of raw talent so hopefully will settle in quickly and form a strong pairing with Jamie Airey.
Elsewhere there were mixed fortunes for all Kings assets in the regional qualifiers. Only new signing Wilbur Stanyk will be riding in the GP challenge semis and Fillippe Chong, who is inelegible finally lost his Australasian crown after winning the last 2 years.
The full list of Kings assets:
Joe Finch British semis
Matija Petkovic European final 9th
Kenni Algreen Scandinavian semis
Yrjo Eskilinen Scandinavian semis
Olle Runeberg Scandinavian semis
Wilbur Stanyk American final 4th Qualified for GP challenge semis
Rhett Hodge Australasian semis
Fillippe Chong Australasian final 4th