Speedway’s First European Cup Postponed Until 2013

February 28, 2012

The inaugural European Speedway Cup has been postponed unitl 2013 following a disagreement over tv rights.

British representatives Poole Pirates and Eastbourne Eagles were left disappointed by the news as the Elite League’s top two were set to take on the Europe’s finest teams from Sweden and Denmark.

Fixture dates had been agreed but a disagreement over TV rights is thought to be behind the postponement.

“I suppose I should have seen this coming as the organisers have been quiet on the subject lately, but it still comes as a great blow to the club, its supporters and sponsors,” said Poole co-promoter Gordon Pairman.

“We had put the dates in our fixture list and even had TV coverage agreed with Sky Sports who do so much for British speedway, but sadly we’ve now got to face up to the fact that we will not be taking the club into Europe this year.”

Pairman added: “I have spoken with Eastbourne’s co-promoter Mike Bellerby and he is equally mystified as well as disappointed.

“He gathered that there has been some disagreement over the rights to these meetings, but frankly this should have been sorted out months ago.

“I know there has been some opposition and resistance to these meetings but my view is that if you’re not looking innovate then you are going backwards.”

by Ismail Uddin