WORKINGTON COMETS 2010
                   SPONSORED BY THE THOMAS ARMSTRONG GROUP
                                        AND NEW TEAM PARTNERS
                                PRESS RELEASE No 9 – March 16th
 
WORKINGTON Comets fans and management alike were encouraged and enthusiastic after Saturday’s press and practice session at DerwentPark.
 
The 2010 Comets had a good work-out round the raceway which looked in good trim despite concerns that the winter frost might have bitten deep and caused problems.
 
The riders were generally complimentary afterwards about the track, and likewise the fans were happy with what they had seen from the new look team.
 
Peter Kildemand, the new Dane, put in an eye-catching session and immediately earned a nickname – the Spider.
 
He was christened by skipper Andre Compton because of his style, particularly down the back straight where he was “all legs.”
 
“It must be like getting round a spider with legs everywhere,” joked Compton, who as captain for the new season was well-pleased with the way the riders had shaped.
 
Compton organised for a ten-pin bowling session after the practice and then the management duo of owner Keith Denham and tem manager Ian Thomas took them out for a meal.
 
Then they attended a function in the Derwent Lounge at the track where fans had the chance to listen to the riders outline their targets and hopes for 2010, and ask questions.
 
Denham said: “I think we have a young team with a lot of potential and we could surprise a lot of people this season, provided we can avoid our usual bad luck with injuries.
 
“I’m very impressed with Andre. He has regained his enthusiasm for the spot through being at Workington and as well as being invaluable to the younger men in the side I think he look capable of getting back towards the top of the Premier League averages.”
 
Thomas said: “I thought the boys looked good in practice, although I look good swinging a golf club with no ball there. It’s a bit different with two opposition riders going against you or when I have to hit that golf ball.
 
“However, although there are question marks against the team – not on ability I hasten to add – I still believe there is a lot of potential there and it’s going to be fascinating seeing them develop as a unit.”
 
Workington go into action as a team for the first time on Thursday at Redcarwhen new boy Kildemand will ride at number four.
 
The Comets line-up will be: 1, Andre Compton (capt); 2, Richard Lawson; 3, Chris Schramm; 4, Peter Kildemand; 5, Adam Roynon; 6, Craig Cook; 7, John Branney.
 
Redcar will track: 1, Gary Havelock (capt); 2, Tomas Suchanek; 3, Ben Wilson; 4, Emiliano Sanchez; 5, Maks Gregoric; 6, Stuart Swales; 7, Jan Graversen.