FEATURE: Timms fit and raring to go
For our final instalment of interviews ahead of this weekend, we speak to World and British Number two, Chris Timms and discuss his thoughts on going one better than his second place at Bury 12 months ago. First, we talk to Chris about his world championship campaign.
You had an incredible World Championship campaign. How does it feel to be ranked second in the world?
After winning My last race against my biggest rival/friend Paul Heard, I assumed I was straight second. To be honest, I was delighted with and would have been more so, if in the end, it didn’t conclude with a controversial decision that unfortunately went against me.
You were part of the Great Britain side that clinched the Ashes series in the third test, the first series on UK soil. After the hefty defeat down under two years ago, what did it mean to claim back the Harley/Witham shield?
Rod Witham is an outstanding person who I respect very much. We all owe him a massive thank you for the test matches himself and Mick Harley organised all those years ago. Being part of the test matches has been incredible. Losing to Australia in 2013 was a disappointment, but at the same time, it made me more determined to be part of the team that just recently beat them.
Chris Timms crosses the line, which put him in a run off for the world title.
Moving on to this weekend, two years ago you won the bronze, last year the silver. How confident are you at making it one step further this year and claiming the gold?
Cycle Speedway is a lottery and anyone with a bit of luck can win it! I’ve had bad luck the last couple of years and eventually that must change, so I’ve got my hopes up this year. I’m feeling fit and raring to go!
Last year’s final was very close, with many predicting another close run contest at Ipswich on Monday. Are there any potential outsiders you think could make the top 16?
Like a said the sport is a lottery! There’s so much potential across the country, yet I don’t see there names because they haven’t entered. I believe Parish, Scranage and Grimes can beat anyone on their day, so with a bit of luck who knows? Everyone loves an underdog.
Aside from yourself, who do you expect to be challenging for the title this year? What type of rider does the Ipswich track suit?
I’d say it suits Ben Mould, as his straight line speed is rapid. He had a run off for Wednesfield against Ipswich’s Josh Brooke last year and beat him for the Aces to become British Club Champions, so he’s my one to watch.
Thanks for talking to use Chris, good luck this weekend.
Thanks to Andy Angell, Chris Timms, Charlie-Jane Herbert and Vicky Brown for talking to us this week. Stay tuned for our whole weekend preview, coming up shortly.
Cover photo by Matt Davis.