Dream Team : Chris Holmes

This is my second Leicester (Hunters and Lions) Dream Team and this time I've focused on European Continentals. My thanks go to Alan Jones as his excellent trilogy "Speedway in Leicester" confirms some of the dates from half a century ago. I'm indebted to Alan for his work as my dear late Mum did not allow the hording of programmes, badges and Speedway Stars etc.

Anders Michanek
Scored 11 points from 4 rides against Kings Lynn when Blackbird Road reopened in April 1968. This Swedish Superstar in the making was a Lion for one, all too brief, season.

Rolf Gramstad
Rolf had great potential and I can still see him gating in front of Les Collins and Bruce Penhall to secure a last heat win against the Heathens. The Norwegian's highly promising career was ended as a result of a freak accident.

Rune Sormander
Top class Swede who was great at overtaking. Rune only managed half a season at Leicester in 1957 but was true class.

Stefan Kwoczala
Stefan rode for just one season in 1960 but left a lasting impression. He was a typical, full throttle, fence scraping Polish rider who would probably have made a star fighter pilot.

Ila Teromaa
The "Flying Finn" was a tough and competitive little rider who held the Lions together in the dark years of the late 1970's. The responsibility seemed to take its toll and he never quite fulfilled his potential.

Marian Kaiser
Marian was the first Polish rider I could really relate to (in 1959). He was smooth and controlled with a style that was reminiscent of that of Phil Herne who followed him to Leicester over 20 years later.

Pawel Waloszek
Pawel was a World Class Polish rider who rode in every meeting for the Hunters in 1961. Such commitment is rare these days.

JH:

"Surprised not to see Berndt Odermatt in the list. What a legend!"

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