PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v SHEFFIELD (PREM KOC)

ROSES rivals Belle Vue and Sheffield go head-to-head in the first top-flight action of 2026 at the National Speedway Stadium tonight (Monday).

The sides meet in the Northern section of the Premiership KO Cup, with fellow group contenders Leicester getting their campaign underway next week.

Three Grand Prix stars are on show as the Aces’ Brady Kurtz and Dan Bewley clash with the Tigers’ Jack Holder, and the home side hand official debuts to Peter Kildemand and youngster William Cairns.

Sheffield’s sole change from 2025 sees Luke Killeen come into the Rising Star berth, with both sides enjoying plenty of continuity.

Kurtz said: “I’m happy with the team that’s been put together, and now it’s time to go racing.

“I’m always in favour of trying to keep the same team. Obviously the points system doesn’t exactly allow it, but I think Mark (Lemon) did the best he could with the options that we had.

“It’s nice to see a lot of the same faces, and I think Peter and Will will come in and do a great job, so I’m looking forward to getting the season going.”

Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “When you look at the team we’ve got, no place should hold any fear for us and that’s the way I want us to approach this year.

“Belle Vue have gone with a strong top two again and they themselves will want to get off to a winning start.

“But I know our group of lads are going to go everywhere and give it their best, and I know we’re capable of going anywhere and getting a result on our night if everything clicks into place.”

BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Peter Kildemand, Zach Cook, Dan Bewley, Tate Zischke, William Cairns.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.

SCB Referee: Seth Perkin

*LIVE STREAMING: https://www.bvtv.live/