WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Saturday 4th February 2012, 13:17

World No.2 Andreas Jonsson has backed SGP rivals Freddie Lindgren and Antonio Lindback to help him carry the weight of Swedish expectation on the world stage this summer.

AJ delighted fans in his homeland by finishing second in the World Championship last year. This was the highest finish by a Swedish rider since Tony Rickardsson romped to the gold medal in 2005.

When TR retired in mid-2006, Jonsson was the man many tipped to follow in the Avesta-born legend’s footsteps. Stockholm-born AJ has never been happy with comparisons to Rickardsson.

"I think the most important thing for Swedish speedway and the sport is that we all make a lot of progress."

- Andreas Jonsson

He feels Sweden needs more than just one great name to fill the six-time world champion’s shoes.

He said: “As I’ve said many times before, he is a great rider and a legend in speedway. It’s not even possible to compare myself to him.

“I don’t want to be compared to him either because I’m the rider I am and I’m trying to do stuff my way. Hopefully I can be successful.

“There are other very good Swedish riders too. Freddie Lindgren is taking steps forward and riding well at the moment. He’s also up there and you never know what could happen for him next year.

“Antonio Lindback is there too and it’s not just one good rider; we have many good riders in Sweden.

“I think the most important thing for Swedish speedway and the sport is that we all make a lot of progress. It’s not going to make a difference for the sport in Sweden if it’s just one person doing it.”

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