RUSHEN FIFTH IN PRAGUE

GREAT Britain youngster Cooper Rushen narrowly missed out on a rostrum place in a hard-fought SGP3 Final at Prague on Friday.

Leicester Lion Cubs and King’s Lynn Young Stars racer Rushen notched ten points from five rides, which was just two behind winner Villads Pedersen as the Dane recovered from a last place in his first outing to win his remaining four and take the World Youth title.

With eight points from his first three rides Rushen led the standings but a last place in Heat 15 proved costly, and with second in Heat 18 he ended up in a four-rider run-off for third overall.

That race was won by Australian rider Beau Bailey as he joined Pedersen and Slovenia’s Sven Cerjak on the podium, leaving Rushen placed fifth overall in his last meeting at 250cc level.

Rushen said: “We gave it our all, we smelt the podium and we had one foot on it, but fair play to Beau Bailey, he did it when it counted and that’s speedway.

“We’ve just got to keep moving, on to the 500cc stuff and we’ll see how it goes. A massive thank you for all the messages and support.

“Sorry we couldn’t bring the trophy home this year, but there are some fast boys on the 250s in England so it will come home one day!”