Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Speedway: Leicester Lions skipper Kauko Nieminen is geared up for an 'awesome' season

0
0

Kauko Nieminen is never one to shy away from a challenge.

After a non-stop winter in his native Finland, the popular 33-year-old is back for what he hopes will be an eventful season with Leicester Lions.

"It is going to be awesome," said Nieminen. "The team is looking really strong.

"I know most of the guys pretty well and I think we're good enough to compete against any team.

"We have a long season ahead of us, but I really fancy our chances.

"Kevin Doolan has come in, he's a good guy and a gentleman. He's been around a long time, but he's a steady rider who can score big points.

"I've always rated Adam Roynon highly but injuries have held him back a bit. Let's hope he can stay injury-free this season because I can see him going on to be our No.1."

It will be a busy six months for Nieminen, who will be doubling up with Belle Vue Aces in the Elite League.

But being busy is nothing new to the man they call the 'Flying Finn' and who has been his country's national champion three times.

"The winter went so quickly," he said. "I got married to Mervi, we've known each other for 12 years and I guess I couldn't say no any longer.

"I've also been working. My brother has a taxi business for disabled people and I've been helping out with some driving.

"I've kept in shape, too, and have done 800km of cross-country skiing. I entered just one competition, over 50km, and finished ninth out of 50, which I was very proud of."

As the senior member of the Harry Jordan Haulage-sponsored Lions, Nieminen has the respect of his team-mates and is delighted to be captain once again.

"I've always said that if the riders want me to be captain, then I will," he said. "They wanted me again this season and I'm quite happy with that. I'm proud to lead the team.

"We did pretty well last year, I was quite happy with the results and the fact we got to the play-offs. Sadly, it just didn't happen from there.

"I don't know if it was pressure, maybe we tried too hard to make up for the disappointment of the previous season.

"If we can get that extra spark, then the will to win will get even stronger."

Speedway: Leicester Lions skipper Kauko Nieminen is geared up for an 'awesome' season


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images