Holder suits up in Monaco

Australian star Chris Holder hopes to attend plenty more FIM Galas as world champion after collecting his FIM Speedway Grand Prix series gold medal in Monaco on November 25.

The 25-year-old was given the prize by four-time world champion Hans Nielsen, who was honoured with FIM track racing legend status, following six-time champions Ivan Mauger and Tony Rickardsson into a very elite club.

Holder, who also received his replica world championship trophy, missed out on the prestigious FIM Personality of the Year prize after Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo triumphed in the public vote.

But Holder was delighted to represent speedway and take his place among a galaxy of motorcycling stars. He said: “To be honest, some of those guys are a lot bigger than me. It was just cool to get nominated against those people. I came and got what I wanted – my gold medal. I’m world champion and they can’t take that away from me.

“I’m really happy and it was really cool to be in a room of good riders – boys and girls. It was a good night. I had such a cool time and I hope it’s not the last time I come to one of those events. It was cool to be recognised like this with all the other world champions. I was proud to be there representing speedway.

“I’ve waited around in Europe especially for this and it’s cool to see this – the other side of being the world champion.”

Meanwhile, tickets for the 2013 season-opening New Zealand FIM Speedway Grand Prix at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium on March 23 are now on sale.

Holder will launch his title defence in the land of the long white cloud, where he is expected to be roared on by an army of Aussies who are expected to make the trip across the Tasman Sea. Holder’s fellow Aussie Darcy Ward also makes his full-time SGP debut in the meeting.

Tickets are priced at $NZ60 for adults and $NZ30 for children, and grandstand seats cost $NZ120. To puchase tickets, click here.