BELLE Vue have been hit by an injury blow ahead of the rearranged first leg of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Grand Final at Sheffield on Monday (7.30pm).
Danish star Peter Kildemand, who is due to retire at the end of the season, was involved in a heavy crash with Scott Nicholls in the first race of the Championship KO Cup Final for Berwick at Plymouth on Saturday.
Both riders were withdrawn with Kildemand suffering a wrist injury in the incident, which rules him out of Monday’s meeting.
It’s a major blow to the ATPI Aces with Kildemand having been in consistent form over recent weeks and offering real solidity to the middle order.
He will be seeking medical advice over whether it will be possible for him to ride in Friday’s second leg, with the Aces bringing in Aussie youngster Mitch McDiarmid to guest at Owlerton.
Elsewhere, the teams are unchanged from the intended date for the meeting last Thursday, with the Tigers tracking Max Fricke as a guest for the injured Jack Holder at No.1.
The Aces were last league champions in 2024, when fast-improving Tate Zischke first signed for the club only to suffer serious injuries on his debut.
Zischke has worked his way back and after a tough ’25 campaign he has made huge steps forwards this year – and now he’s looking to crown it with a league title.
Zischke said: “I’ve always known I could do it ever since the first season I signed, but it’s putting it all together and getting it all happening consistently.
“It’s been a great season, and hopefully we can have a couple more good meetings and bring that No.1 home.
“The boys all talk really well and we’re all good mates, and Lemo (Mark Lemon) is amazing to have on the team. He’s always there to give you advice, so it’s a great team and I’m loving it.”
Aces supporters are set to head to Owlerton in large numbers on Monday, but for those not making the trip live streaming coverage is available on BSN https://www.britishspeedwaynetwork.co.uk/ . Live race updates and text commentary will be provided at https://live.britishspeedway.co.uk/ .
Tickets and hospitality for the second leg at the National Speedway Stadium on Friday October 16 can be booked at https://www.bellevue-speedway.com/tickets . Supporters are advised to pre-book if at all possible to avoid disappointment.
SHEFFIELD: Max Fricke, Anders Rowe, Chris Holder, Leon Flint, Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge, Luke Killeen.
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Mitch McDiarmid, Zach Cook, Jason Doyle, Tate Zischke, Will Cairns.