CYCLE SPEEDWAY: BRITISH Champion Myke Grimes has no intentions of ‘making up the numbers’ as he jets off to Adelaide next week to compete in the World Cycle Speedway Championships.
Grimes stormed to a dominant 20-point maximum in Wolverhampton on August Bank Holiday to land his first British Senior Championships, and now he’s eyeing his first world title down under.
The 32-year-old will jet off with the national squad on Saturday, November 11, in preparation for Team GB’s Ashes series against Australia before tackling the World Individual Finals.
Speaking to The Observer, Grimes appeared just as – if not more – focused on the job compared to that memorable day in August.
He said: “I believe I can win the world title. If you don’t, you won’t. I’m not going to make up the numbers.”
The Coventry Sabres skipper also revealed his national title success has only just sunk in.
“It was all a bit of a blur afterwards,” said Grimes.
“There was a lot of media attention in Coventry, which was great for the sport.
“I was touched by the volume of well wishers from not just friends and family, but the sport, our great city, and businesses – including my beloved Coventry City FC.
“I was very proud to attend a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor also.”
After taking a couple of weeks off, the Sky Blues fan returned to training and said he’s feeling in ‘peak condition’.
As a bonus, former Coventry racer – and close friend of Grimes – Bobby McMillan has agreed to host Myke throughout the championships.
Myke said: “I love racing the best in the world, the occasion and pressure goes up another notch and I relish the challenge.
“It could be anyones championship.
“Bartek Grabowski looked very fast in the Polish Championships and Joel Chadwick was equally impressive when winning the Australian title last week.
“There’s some class riders in the field and Team GB are travelling over with one of our strongest squads I think we’ve had.”
Grimes pinned most of his success on the support he’s received from sponsor Craig Wale.
Mr Wale has helped fine-tune Grimes’ trusty ride – known locally as Charlene – to ensure the British Champion reaches his maximum potential.
“I wouldn’t be going to Australia without the support of Craig,” said Grimes.
“He’s been incredible for the last three seasons and has spent many hours on my bike to make sure she’s running smooth.
“This season has been easier as I’ve had the Coventry team pushing me hard in training and taking on board my punishing training regime.”
