GB MAKE UNDER-19 SELECTIONS

GREAT Britain Youth boss Neil Vatcher has selected Nathan Ablitt, Harry McGurk and Sam Hagon for the first FIM European Under-19 qualifier at Zarnovica on July 30.

The other qualifier takes place at Czech Republic venue Plzen on September 3, which will feature Jordan Palin and Leon Flint.

Vatcher explained: “It is a strange decision for FIM Europe to put the first qualifier on the day after the FIM SON 2 Final, which is the Team Final for the World Under-21 Riders.

“With the SON2 taking place in Denmark on July 29 and the Under-19 qualifier the next day in Slovakia, there’s no possibility of any riders selected to ride in the SON event being able to compete in Slovakia the next day.

“It would not be possible for either Leon or Jordan to take part in Slovakia as they are likely to be included in the GB SON2 squad, and therefore these two riders will take their place in Plzen in September.

“Nathan took part in this competition last season and did himself proud when he competed in Divisov in the Czech Republic, and now along with Harry is competing in the Championship league on a weekly basis, so they deserve their chance.

“As for Sam, I must say he has really impressed me this year in the NDL and it is only a matter of time before he gets a chance in the Championship.”

Vatcher also confirmed Dan and Joe Thompson declined the offer of a place in this competition as they wish to focus on their domestic fixtures at this time.

The final of the FIME European Under-19 Championship takes place in Hungary on September 19.