COVATTI IN TO COMPLETE GLADIATORS

NICO Covatti is heading back to the UK to spearhead Plymouth’s challenge in the Cab Direct Championship next season.

The seven-times Italian Champion last rode in this country for Somerset in 2019 having previously had multi-year spells with Birmingham and Ipswich, and he reached the Grand Prix Challenge this year after finishing second in his qualifier at Lonigo.

Gladiators boss Garry May said: “Nico rode with me at Somerset, so I have worked with him before, and he is a very good rider in this league and at this level. If he can get the hang of the Plymouth track, then he could be very good.

“He texted me and said, ‘Gazza, I want to come back and ride for you,’ so that was it really! I think he had calls from a couple of other clubs, but he sent me a text to say he didn’t want to go there, do me a deal! I spoke to Mark (Phillips), we did a deal and that was it. He was so easy to work with.

“He’ll be a very good signing I think, and he will be our No.1.”

Covatti joins Ben Barker at the top of the Gladiators’ line-up, whilst Alfie Bowtell and Kyle Newman return for their second spells with the club. Dan and Joe Thompson have also been recruited by the Coliseum outfit, with Jacob Hook completing the line-up.

PLYMOUTH 2024 (Subject to approval): Nico Covatti, Ben Barker, Kyle Newman, Dan Thompson, Alfie Bowtell, Jacob Hook, Joe Thompson.