PREVIEW: NDL PAIRS, LEICESTER

LEICESTER stage the National Development League Pairs tonight (Saturday) as the meeting makes a return to the calendar for the first time since the pandemic.

Dan and Joe Thompson represent the Lion Cubs and start as favourites with all eight NDL clubs competing in the event.

The hosts are in Group A along with Belle Vue, Berwick and Armadale, whilst Kent, Mildenhall, Oxford and Plymouth compete in Group B.

Scoring is 4-3-2-0 with the top two pairings in each group progressing to the semi-finals, and the highest scorers in those races meeting in the Final.

Cubs boss Dave Howard said: “With their ‘forever’ knowledge of the circuit and the great team riding they have produced in many Heats 13 and 15 for the Lion Cubs, this puts Dan and Joe potentially in a strong position to challenge for the Pairs crown.

“However, as we all know, with strong ‘Top 2’s’ in many teams, together with the Pairs format and scoring system, when it comes to the crunch end of the meeting absolutely anything can happen.

“I’m sure it will be an entertaining night for everyone to enjoy, and we hope the fans come out in force to back the twins, and hopefully we can win some silverware.”