HOME INTERNATIONAL: England Junior team announced

England Junior Team Manager Zac Payne has named his team for the Home International at Astley & Tyldesley on Saturday July 31st

“With the announcement of the Home Internationals earlier this month it was time to start thinking about which riders were available. It has to be said that some riders have missed out on the chance of representing England due to the pandemic, one rider in particular is Owen Johnson who is riding exceptionally well so far this season and has really raised his game, however he’s just a fraction to old for Juniors now.

“In 2019 the squad consisted of Lewis Brinkoff, Ben Clarke, Will Jeffery, Jack Ellis and Lewis Foxley. Ben and Lewis remain in this year’s team and will be joined by Noah Woodhouse, Torsten Jolly and Kielan Burton. There is so much talent across the country and especially in the South East region where 4 of the 5 riders are from. I had a list of around 16/17 riders who were eligible to race this year and it was a hard decision picking the final 5.

“Ben and Lewis will lead the team and be able to help the 3 younger lads on and off track.

Ben Clarke:
Ben is a two time world champion in the Best Pairs and Team Cup, also a two time Under 18 British Champion, Ben will be taking the step up to senior racing next year and I believe he is more than ready to start battling with the seniors.

Lewis Brinkoff:
Lewis played a key part in the Team Cup victory in Poland 2019 riding as a tactical reserve and securing the points needed in the final race to win the match by a point. Lewis is a two time Under 16 British Champion and like Ben will be racing at senior level next year, Lewis has already proved his talent by making the Senior Final at Great Blakenham in 2019.

Noah Woodhouse:
Noah is one half of the Kesgrave Panthers Podcast of which he hosts with teammate and friend Charlie Parr. Noah has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of years and I have only heard good things about him and his racing. Noah will be making his England debut and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity at International level.

Torsten Jolly:
Torsten is a teammate of Noah’s at Kesgrave Cycle Speedway and really impressed me when I saw him racing at Somersham earlier this month. Its always difficult seeing all the juniors race across the country especially with the lack of racing in the calendar so far this year, however I keep seeing Torsten’s name popping up in all matches and positive comments from his club and senior riders in the region. I believe he also deserves the chance to represent England in July.

Kielan Burton:
Last but not least Kielan. Kielan is one of those riders like Torsten who’s name I always see in every match possible and always training at his home club, Sheffield. Kielan has some great riders around him at the moment and one of those being Ed Morton who has been a part of the Junior Squad before and won it all down under in Australia in 2017. Kielan has a great attitude and shows how much he loves the sport and wanting to do well for his club and individual status in BYJL it wont be long before he is challenging for the top spot and making a name for himself.