LEBEDEVS IN SMEDERNA COMEBACK

Latvian racer Andzejs Lebedevs is targeting another Bauhaus Elitserien gold medal with Smederna as he returns for 2021.

Lebedevs became a fan favourite when he helped the club storm to a surprise gold medal in 2017, before they retained their title in 2018 and 2019.

The Eskilstuna outfit opted to sit out the shortened 2020 season, which also proved tough for Lebedevs as he sustained a broken leg in Rybnik’s PGE Ekstraliga trip to Grudziadz on June 23.

He’s determined to get back on track in 2021 and can’t wait to line up for the Blacksmiths. He told the club’s website: “Smederna was my first choice.

“I feel at home in Eskilstuna and I feel good with the team leaders – their way of thinking with team building and team spirit that they usually create during the season. In addition, I love Smederna’s track; it’s Sweden's best race track in my opinion.

“During the five years I have ridden for Smederna, I have taken three Swedish Championship gold medals with the team and now I hope that we can challenge again and win Elitserien gold in 2021.

“When it comes to my individual goals for the coming season, I above all want to get into great shape and take many points in Sweden and Poland. I also qualify for the World and European Championships.

“Finally, I wish the club, the officials, the management and the Blacksmith fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you soon at the stadium.”

Smederna boss Jimmy Jansson said: “Extending with Andy was never in doubt. We quickly agreed on an extension that will be Andy's sixth season for Eskilstuna Smederna.

“Andy is a warrior who always gives 100 percent to the team and he has shown that many times. Together we will now do everything we can to claim the club's sixth gold medal.”

Lebedevs, who also lines up for Krosno in the Polish First Division, is joined by the likes of SGP first reserve Aleksandr Loktaev, Gleb Chugunov and Pontus Aspgren in Eskilstuna.