Speedway: Simon brings on next generation

The 33-year-old has been invited by Great Britain Youth bosses to help them and over 20 up-and-coming riders on a special training camp in France this weekend. Stead, who was a three time British U21 Champion at the turn of the century and who has represented his nation at the Speedway World Cup, believes it is the sort of initiative that could make Britain a major contending force once again.

“The opportunity to ride abroad in a totally different environment is invaluable in my own opinion” Stead commented. “British riders of my age missed out on this sort of thing because we didn’t have the necessary funding and backing to get something like this up and running. Neil Vatcher (British Youth boss) is working hard behind the scenes to make these sorts of trips viable.

“It’s going to be a great experience for all of the younger guys ahead of their new season and I’m sure it will stand them in good stead. I feel proud to be invited along and want to help as much as I can. I feel like I’ve got a lot to offer, especially with the guys at that particular level and it’s the sort of thing I want to get more involved with.”

One rider who ‘Steady’ will be keen to keep a close eye on this weekend will be Tigers newcomer Nathan Greaves.

Said Stead: “Nathan’s a good rider for his age but I want to do what I can to help him improve. Just after he’d signed for Sheffield, he met me at my gym and wanted my advice to better himself and push himself to that next level. I gave him a few pointers and suggestions on things that I thought he should be spending more time on and he’s addressed those. He’s got good enthusiasm and being part of our team at Owlerton will do him the world of good.”