SoN GLORY FOR AUSSIES

BELLE Vue captain Brady Kurtz and Sheffield star Jack Holder sealed victory for Australia in the FIM Speedway of Nations at Torun on Saturday.

Kurtz and Holder got the better of host nation Poland in the Final to take the crown for their country for the second time in four years, Holder having been involved when they won in Denmark in 2022.

Great Britain were unable to defend the trophy as they finished fifth overall, and a crash for Dan Bewley in Heat 13 resulted in him missing his last two rides as Tom Brennan stepped in alongside Robert Lambert.

Kurtz said: “I actually thought it was all over when the tapes went up. I didn’t make the best start at all. But I squeezed in there somehow and got to the outside. I knew I had to get to the fence.

“Jack was so solid all night. He made every start, looked for me and gave me the run through. Sure enough, when the straight came in the Grand Final, Jack was in front, looking over his shoulder and waiting for me to come past.

“Once we hit the front, I was checking the big screen every lap and we were solid all race. We were so good together. Once we hit the front, I was pretty confident that we could get it done, and I am really happy with this one.”

Photo credit: TAYLOR LANNING