WOFFINDEN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

TRIPLE World Champion Tai Woffinden has announced his retirement from professional speedway at the age of 35.

Woffinden has been hit by a number of serious injuries in recent years, and he has taken the decision after being informed he requires shoulder surgery following a crash earlier this season in Ostrow.

His gold medals in 2013, 2015 and 2018 made him the first Great Britain rider to win three individual world titles, whist domestically he started his career with Scunthorpe and Rye House before a lengthy association with Wolverhampton.

Woffinden’s final UK seasons were spent with Sheffield, who he joined in the latter stages of the 2023 campaign, although injury ruled him out of the whole of last year.

Woffinden said: “This isn’t an easy thing to say. For many years this hasn’t just been what I do, it’s been a huge part of who I am as a person.

“When I look back I see five World titles (three individual, two team), Grand Prix victories, national titles and team championships.

“But more than the trophies I see the people, the friendships, the laughs, the tough days, the moments that tested me and the moments that remind me exactly why I fell in love with the sport.

“What started as a dream (became) a life I could never have imagined. I’ve been lucky enough to do something I truly loved, and I’ll never take that for granted.”