Speedway: Sheffield Tigers' Josh Bates ready to take on the world

The Barnsley boy travels to Pocking, Germany for his qualifier where he will be battling for a top four finish needed to book his place in the three-round finals series.

Bates, 20, will face a stern test as he takes on the likes of Belle Vue star Max Fricke, Polish talent Krystian Pieszczek and German star Michael Hartel in a strong field.

However, the British Under 21 Champion is desperate to earn one of the biggest results of his career so far with a battling display.

“I’ll set off this morning ready for a big weekend,” Bates said. “I’m really looking forward to it and I’m feeling confident.

“It’s my second attempt at the World Under 21s, so I desperately want to make it through this time.

“I just real hope I get to grips with the track quickly, everything comes together and I can manage to qualify.

“If I could make it to the finals it would be an amazing experience for me, and it would be great for British speedway if I could qualify as well.

“We don’t get riders making the World Under 21 Final really often, so I want to do it not just for me but for everyone.

“To be riding against the best young riders in the world would be a brilliant challenge, so I’ll be doing everything I can to make it through this weekend.

“I went to Poland a few days ago to get my engine served by Ash-Tech (Ashley Holloway), he knows what he’s doing so I’m thankful for his help and hope that pays off.

“I’m going to give it my best shot and do everything I can, I just hope it will be enough on the day.”

Meanwhile, Sheffield saw their Premier League clash with Rye House at Owlerton postponed at the last-minute last night.

Persistent, heavy rainfall left club bosses devastated as they were forced to pull the plug on the meeting just moments before the start.