Joint Great Britain team manager Oliver Allen has no worries if the Lions go into the PZM FIM Speedway World Cup Final as underdogs as they race for qualification in Landshut on May 1.
The Brits take on Germany, Czech Republic and Ukraine in Semi-Final 1 at the OneSolar Arena, with the winners advancing to the Final at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy on August 29.
The Lions hope to join hosts Poland, 2025 FIM Speedway of Nations world champions Australia and the winners of Semi-Final 2 in Riga on August 7, featuring Latvia, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
While the Brits have won the SON twice, they have never lifted the Ove Fundin Trophy since the SWC was relaunched in 2001, with their last victory in the old FIM Speedway World Team Cup tournament coming at Bradford in 1989.
Allen accepts his side will not be favourites against power-packed Aussie and Polish teams, but that’s no concern for the Lions as they bid to take their place in this year’s biggest FIM Speedway event.
He said: “I like the format of the SWC. I know our gold medals have always been in the Speedway of Nations, but I think we have got a good chance to do well this year.
“If we get through, we wouldn’t be favourites for the Final, and that’s fine with me and the riders. We are good on those indoor tracks.
"I have never been to a GP in Warsaw, so I am really looking forward to that. I think it will be a good event. I like the team atmosphere in the SWC; I have always enjoyed it.”
Allen and fellow Lions boss Simon Stead are expected to track the heroes of GB’s SON title triumphs – Speedway GP stars Dan Bewley, Robert Lambert and triple world champion Tai Woffinden, plus Tom Brennan. “Robert and Dan are a couple of the best riders in the world at the moment,” Allen said. “Tom upped his level again last year.
"He was consistent in Ekstraliga 2 for Bydgoszcz, so that was good to see. That’s a tough league. He’s in that top-four group when you look at rider performance in Europe last year.”
Woffinden has the chance to make history as the first rider ever to win the modern-day grand slam of Speedway GP, SON and SWC world titles.
“I wouldn’t put it past him!” Allen enthused. “You know what Tai is like. He likes to break a record, and he’s motivated by stuff like that. I spoke to him the other day, and he feels really motivated about the season, so that’s good to know. With him being back in the GPs regularly, he will be sharp.”
Before the Brits can ponder the prospect of chasing SWC gold, they must secure their spot in the Final with victory in Landshut. Allen believes the Brits have been handed the better of the two semis.
He said: “It’s a favourable draw. When it was released, I was, first of all, pleased to be in Germany. Logistically, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get to. I understand it’s attached to a GP, so for the GP riders, it makes no difference. But for those that aren’t in the GP, life is easier.
“Those events are never easy. Landshut is a typical European track – big, flat and slick. But I would say we are favourites. I am happy with that, and I look forward to it.”