GLADIATORS READY TO STEP UP

PLYMOUTH promoter Mark Phillips believes clever team building will give the Gladiators the opportunity to make a serious play-off challenge this season.

After finishing fourth in the league table in 2022, the Devon side have spent two years in the lower reaches of the Cab Direct Championship – but Phillips says that could change this summer.

He said: “We will be seeking to punch and counterpunch well above our weight with a top-class No.1 and a solid team of potential improvers all 100 per cent committed.

“Our plans did change when we had the opportunity to build a team around Nicolai (Klindt) and I think overall we will be stronger for it

“If Ben (Trigger) can be competitive and win and deliver consistent points in Heat 2 and his other allocated races, together with an out-and-out No.1 and five other riders all capable of winning races and improving their starting averages, we genuinely believe we can aspire to be competitive everywhere and aim for a play-off berth as our minimum expectation.”