Middlesbrough Tigers Unveil Class of 2026
The Middlesbrough Tigers class of 2026 was unveiled last night at the Supporters’ Club event held in the track clubhouse, with fans getting their first look at a team that blends continuity, progression, and headline surprises.
It came as little surprise to see Ace Pijper confirmed as captain and returning to lead the team at number one. Pijper will once again double up his Tigers role alongside his Redcar Bears Championship commitments. Also returning is his brother Stene Pijper, who comes back to continue the clear progression he showed during the 2025 campaign.
Another familiar face returning for a third consecutive season is Kai Ward, who has demonstrated steady development throughout his time with the Tigers and remains an important part of the club’s long-term plans.
The final 2025 returnee is Charlie Southwick, who joined the side mid-season last year and was an instant hit with both team-mates and supporters.
The first surprise of the evening came with the capture of Nathan Ablitt, a proven heat leader who will also be competing in the Championship with Scunthorpe this season, adding further strength and experience to the Tigers’ top order.
The biggest reaction from the crowd followed the announcement of Ben Trigger, the former Bear and Tiger who had recently indicated he would be sitting out the 2026 season. Following a short discussion with the Redcar promotion, Trigger confirmed he was fully committed to returning to the saddle and getting back on track with the Tigers.
The final place in the team is filled by Harry Sadler, a rider largely unknown to British supporters. Sadler is the son of former rider Nigel Sadler and has been racing in Australia to date. He now makes the move to the UK as he looks to continue and develop his speedway career on the British circuit.
With the team now confirmed, attention turns to the 2026 season, with optimism high around a Tigers side built to compete while maintaining a strong focus on rider development.
Promotor Jamie Swales said
“I’m extremely pleased with the team we’ve assembled for 2026. Rider development will always be at the heart of what we do with Middlesbrough, with a clear eye on producing future Redcar Bears riders, but I’m particularly happy that we’ve also built a highly competitive team. This is a side capable of pushing for honours, while still keeping the average age of the squad at around just 18 years old, which is something we’re very proud of.
We are also still actively looking for a title sponsor for the Middlesbrough Tigers. With the team shaping up as well as it has, 2026 could be a fantastic season for a business to have its name associated with the club.”