Speedway: Chris Holder reveals when he'd like to see Sheffield use guests to cover for injured star
Tigers star speaks after Owlerton loss
Sheffield’s former world champion Chris Holder admits Sheffield are missing number one Jack Holder - but says riders are happy to cover his rides at Owlerton.
However, he feels it would be worth the club trying to bring in guests to cover for the injured star at away meetings.
Speaking after the Tigers 44-46 home defeat to King’s Lynn, he said: “We struggled at the beginning with the gate selection, with the track pretty well watered, but we got it together, got going, and towards the end I suppose, they found some speed and were getting out at the start better.
“We had a bit of bad luck with a couple of the guys, but even still, they’re a good team, so once they got their bikes going and made some good starts, they were hard to chase and track down. It was tough, and they’re a solid team.”
He said it was difficult riding without his younger brother, Jack, in the team, a rider who is Sheffield’s number one and the world number five.
“It’s really difficult,” he said: “Jack is our stable number one. He sets the tone for the night and he’s pretty consistent round here, especially. And when we’ve got to all pitch in and do extra rides, if you’re having a tough night, you’ve got to still do another ride. That can hurt the score a little bit. When you lose your number one it’s always going to be difficult, but it just wasn’t our night tonight. But I’m sure we’ll be back next week.”
He feels it may be worth using guest riders when they are available for away meetings.
“I think round here we’re pretty capable of holding down a decent score, but away from home, for sure we could do with a couple of guys who are special round different tracks,” he said.
“Here, it’s hard to say because there isn’t really a guy that could maybe be consistent enough all the time round here. But we’re happy to do Jack’s rides around here.”
Jack Holder injury update
Chris said it had only been just over a week since his brother’s surgery on a broken arm, which he suffered racing in a grand prix in Poland.
He told The Star: “He’s back in the UK just recovering, and then I think next week goes to Poland for some rehab stuff.
“He’s got a bunch of staples in his arm where they operated, so until he gets that out he can’t really do an awful lot.
“He’s getting better every day. It’s just taking time.”