Batchelor pips Adams in testimonial
The Queenslander edged out the man of the moment in a stirring final, held in front of a speedway-loving crowd in MilduraLeigh Adams fell just inches short of winning his own speedway testimonial in Mildura (Vic) on January 5, with Troy Batchelor claiming the narrowest of victories in a mesmerising final.
Batchelor was the star of the heats and deserved the victory, with the event a stunning prelude to the Australian speedway season, which really cranks into gear with the opening round of the national title in Kurri Kurri on Saturday, January 15.
Two-time world under 21 champion Darcy Ward (who claimed his third successive Australian under 21 championship in Brisbane last weekend) was third in the final, ahead of Cam Woodward.
Both world speedway GP winner Chris Holder and Jason Doyle were equally as outstanding as the top four riders in Mildura, but were hindered by a bike failure (Doyle) and a fall (Holder) and missed the final.
Reigning world No 2 Jarek Hampel was a late scratching from the event, but six-time world champion Tony Rickardsson was there in a ceremonial capacity (see first picture).
Meanwhile, the grudge scratch races between road racing stars Jamie Stauffer and Josh Waters in Mildura resulted in a win apiece.
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