Category: Bears News

After another excellent performance, the Redcar Agilia Bears progressed to the Semi Finals of the KO Cup with a 95-85 aggregate win – narrowly losing to a strong Glasgow side 46-44.

It was a very close meeting throughout, with the Bears never really letting Glasgow put too much of a dent into the 12 point aggregate lead. Indeed, the Bears led for parts of the meeting and the scores on the night were level going into heat 15. The impressive Rasmus Jensen and Paul Starke got the better of Bears new number 1 Erik Riss and Michael Palm Toft to give the Tigers the win on the night.

It was a solid all round performance from the Bears again. Palm Toft top scored with 11+1, with Riss and the impressive Nathan Greaves both scoring 10. Craig Cook was unbeaten by an opponent for the Tigers on his way to 12 points, with Jensen supporting well with 10.

Bears promoter was pleased with his sides performance, and singled out reserve Nathan Greaves for special praise:

“ All the boys dug deep tonight and made sure we got the job done. We came with the mindset that we were here to win and not to defend a lead. We should be a challenge to anybody on the road now with a very powerful top 3 and hopefully this justifies to some why we made the changes we did earlier this week. Special mention for Nathan Greaves who was the difference between the 2 sides; he has shown immense commitment to the Bears by flying out to Poland in the morning and using borrowed bikes for his European qualifier so he didn’t miss a meeting for us. Well done to Glasgow for winning on the night, they are an impressive team and never stopped battling. We are now looking forward to Sheffield on Sunday and will go there with a lot of confidence and self belief. “

Glasgow Tigers = 46 (85)

1. Craig Cook – 3, 3, 3, 3 = 12
2. James Sarjeant – 1, 1, 2, 0 = 4
3. Rasmus Jensen – 1, R, 3, 3, 3 = 10
4. Paul Starke – 3, 1, 2′, 2, 1 = 9+1
5. Claus Vissing – 2, 2, 3, 0 = 7
6. Connor Bailey – 2, 0, 1, 0 = 3
7. Kyle Bickley – 1′, F, R, 0 = 1+1

Redcar Bears = 44 (95)

1. Erik Riss – 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 = 10
2. Tom Bacon R/R
3. Michael Palm Toft – 2, 3, 3, 2, 1′, 0 = 11+1
4. Jordan Stewart – 0, 1, 1, 1′, 3 = 6+1
5. Charles Wright – 3, 2, 1, 1′ = 7+1
6. Tom Woolley – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Nathan Greaves – 3, 1, 3, 0, 0, 2, 1 = 10

The new look Redcar Agilia Bears travel to Glasgow this evening, looking to defend a 12 point lead to progress to the next round of the KO Cup.

German star Erik Riss will take his place as the Bears new number 1, with Charles Wright moving to number 5 and Michael Palm Toft moving to number 3. Tom Woolley also makes his Bears debut at number 6, with Nathan Greaves moving into the number 7 spot. Rider replacement will continue to operate for the injured Tom Bacon, with third new signing Kasper Andersen coming into the team for Sundays meeting at Sheffield. The Bears will be confident going into the meeting after the excellent win over the Tigers on Tuesday.

Glasgow are a very strong team however, and are back to full strength with Rasmus Jensen returning to the side. Craig Cook has been nigh on unbeatable around Glasgow this season, so it promises to be an exciting clash!

Good luck to the Bears, and safe trip to any Bears fans making the journey north.

Redcar: Erik Riss, r/r for Tom Bacon, Michael Palm Toft, Jordan Stewart, Charles Wright, Tom Woolley, Nathan Greaves

Glasgow: Craig Cook, James Sarjeant, Rasmus jensen, Paul Starke, Claus Vissing, Connor Bailey, Kyle Bickley

Redcar Agilia Bears new reserve signing Tom Woolley is making the step up the Championship for the first time, and is delighted to be joining Redcar. Woolley, who has represented both Buxton and Belle Vue at National League level, admits he has heard great things about the Redcar setup:

“I am so happy to be joining Redcar. I’m pretty excited to get racing, and although I have never raced at Redcar all I hear about is how good the track and racing is up there so I can’t wait to get going!”

Woolley will make his Bears debut away to Glasgow tomorrow night. Whilst he has not raced at this level previously, he is definitely up for the challenge:

“I am really looking to get my teeth into Championship racing and giving it a real good go. I’ll be giving it 100% every time I am out on track. I want to enjoy it first of all and really take my chance, which obviously means scoring points and to help the team go as far as we can!”

One of Redcar Agilia Bears new signings announced earlier this morning, Dane Kasper Andersen is delighted to have signed for Redcar.

Andersen started this season with both Kings Lynn and Sheffield, but due to the numbers game lost his+ places there. He has shown good pedigree at Redcar last season though, with a impressive 8+1 in the league meeting and 10 points in the Silver Helmet meeting. He also recently qualified for the Danish U21 Final with a perfect 15 point score.

Andersen admits he is happy to be joining the Bears:

“I’m very happy to join Redcar. They are nice people there, they have a strong team and good fans. And most importantly they have the best racetrack in the UK!”

It’s a track he loves riding, and is hoping the Bears can go far this season:

“I have done well around Redcar in the past and I always enjoy riding the track. It’s a real racetrack and I can’t wait to ride it again! My goal for the rest of the season is to settle in the team and get some momentum going – with this team and track I’m sure we can go far!”

The Redcar Agilia Bears have made 3 changes to their line up ahead of this week’s clashes against Glasgow and Sheffield. German star Erik Riss will become the Bears new number 1 and will be joined by Dane Kasper Andersen and Brit Tom Woolley. The riders making way for the new arrivals are Ulrich Ostergaard, Jack Smith and the injured Tom Bacon.

Riss also rides in the UK for Premiership side Kings Lynn and returned to their side after a spell on the injury list (broken collar bone) on Monday. He made a successful return scoring 8 points which included 2 race wins. He arrives on a converted Premiership average of 8.75. Kasper Andersen has already raced at Redcar in 2019, scoring 4 points before his release from Sheffield. He has previously shown a liking for the MPA, scoring paid 9 for Sheffield and recording 10 points in the Teesside Silver Helmet in 2018. Tom Woolley is handed his first opportunity in the Championship after spending 2018 with National League side Buxton, where he finished with an average of 6.69.

The Agilia Bears now look to have a very powerful heat leader trio and will be hoping to defend their aggregate lead of 12 points going into Friday’s 2nd leg of the KO Cup. Riss and Woolley will make their debuts on Friday, with Andersen joining the squad this Sunday for the Bears Championship clash with Sheffield. The Bears will run rider replacement for Tom Bacon on Friday.

When discussing the moves, promoter Jitendra Duffill explained, ‘It’s been a very difficult few days for Jade and myself when considering these changes; they were finalised with the incoming riders on Monday so they could be declared to the BSPA and be effective from Friday. Jack Smith had asked us to replace him after Friday’s clash against Leicester so we acted quickly to snap up Kasper Andersen as a direct replacement. 24 hours later Jack informed us that he had changed his mind but unfortunately it was too late as a deal had already been done with Kasper. On Saturday evening we were also dealt the blow that Tom Bacon had broken his back and would be missing for most of the season. Before Ulrich’s superb performance yesterday we had been lacking a 3rd heat leader and with no suitable replacement for Tom available, we decided that we couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to bring in a rider of the calibre of Erik Riss.’

Duffill added, ‘It was an extremely embarrassing situation for us to deliver the bad news to Ulrich after a brilliant display yesterday. Ulrich had struggled a bit until that point; we simply didn’t see that coming and wish we had seen more of it in the meetings prior. Unfortunately, the change had already been made but his performance will surely have put him in the shop window for any other Championship teams looking to strengthen.’
He continued, ‘I’d like to welcome Erik Riss, Kasper Andersen and Tom Woolley to the club. Erik is an extremely exciting, big name capture for us and he will score big points everywhere he rides. He had been in scintillating from before he broke his collar bone earlier this year and I expect him to continue that for the rest of the season. Kasper is a very capable replacement for Tom Bacon and he will form a very strong top 5 for the Bears. He is one of the new crop of rising Danish talents and I’m sure Bears fans will take to him quickly. Tom Woolley is experiencing Championship racing for the first time so no pressure will be put on his shoulders. He has performed well at National League level, is keen to learn and we are strong enough in our top 6 to support him whilst he finds his feet. I’m looking forward to working with all 3.’

Duffill was keen to express his thanks to the departing Bears adding, ‘I’d like to thank Ulrich, Jack and Tom for everything they have done this year. They are all great guys and I’ve enjoyed working with each one of them. I’m sure it won’t be long before Ulrich and Jack find team places elsewhere and I hope Tom makes a swift recovery from his injuries. He really has had some awful luck over the last 2 years but he is a resilient character and will come back strong from it; that I have no doubt about.’

Bears Line Up
1 Erik Riss 8.75
2 Kasper Andersen 4.80
3 Michael Palm Toft 7.60
4 Jordan Stewart 4.93
5 Charles Wright 7.77
6 Tom Woolley 2.00
7 Nathan Greaves 3.86

Redcar Agilia Bears will defend a 12 point lead at Glasgow on Friday, as they inflicted only Glasgow’s second defeat of the season with a 51-39 win on Tuesday night.

A superb all round team performance saw the Bears take an excellent victory against a side who had not list since March. It was a slow start from the Bears however, as the Tigers took a 5-1 in the first heat. The excellent Craig Cook and James Sarjeant led from the start, as Charles Wright and Jack Smith appeared to get in each others way.

The Bears slowly recovered though, a heat 6 maximum from Charles Wright and a rejuvenated Ulrich Ostergaard saw the Bears draw level. Then two big 5-1s in heats eight and nine saw the Bears pull out a good lead which they never looked like losing.

Arguably the best ride of the night came in heat 13 however, as Craig Cook suffered a very rare defeat at the hands of Bears skipper Charles Wright. Cook made the gate, but a superb exit from bend two saw Wright go round the outside and record an impressive victory.

Bears promoter Jitendra Duffill was delighted with his sides efforts:

“ Brilliant performance from the Bears again tonight. I would have settled for a victory against a very impressive Glasgow side that have been in very good form, so to win by 12 has surpassed my expectations and gives us an excellent chance to progress to the Semi-Final.”

It was a superb all round performance from the Bears, with Jordan Stewart scoring 11+1, with Ostergaard returning to form in style with 11. Cook was his normal excellent self for the visitors with 14 points. The Bears will travel to Glasgow on Friday with the tie superbly balanced, hoping the 12 point margin will be enough to see them progress.

Redcar Bears = 51

1. Charles Wright : 1, 2*, 2, 3, 2 = 10+1
2. Tom Bacon R/R : =7+1
3. Ulrich Ostergaard : 0, 2, 3, 3, 3 = 11
4. Jordan Stewart : 3, 0, 3, 2*, 3 = 11+1
5. Michael Palm Toft : 3, 3, 2, 1, 1* = 10+1
6. Nathan Greaves : 3, 0, 2*, 0, 2*, 0 = 7+2
7. Jack Smith : 0, 1, R, 1* = 2+1

Glasgow Tigers = 39

1. Craig Cook : 3, 3, 3, 2, 3 = 14
2. James Sarjeant : 2*, 1, 0, 1 = 4+1
3. Ty Proctor (G) : 2, 1*, R, 1 = 4+1
4. Paul Starke : 1*, 2, 3, 2, 0 = 8+1
5. Claus Vissing : 1*, 1, 1, 0 = 3+1
6. Connor Bailey : 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Kyle Bickley : 2, 2, 1, 0, 1* = 6+1

We still have a few spots available for the SG Petch Platinum Suite for Tuesdays meeting against Glasgow.

For just an extra £10, fans will be treated to the suite located at the Start/Finish line with the best views of the action. Included in that price is a free programme, Pie and Pea Supper and a hot drink. As well as that, you will be able to have a pre-meeting Pits visit and get to watch 2 heats from the centre green.

This offer is limited to 20 fans, so to book please get in touch with our marketing manager Ian Drinkel at indrinkel@msn.com or call him on 07827293866.

Redcar Agilia Bears take on Craig Cook and his Glasgow Tigers side at the Media Prima on Tuesday night in the second round of the KO Cup.

It is sure to be another tough test for the Bears, but confidence will be high after the excellent home win over Leicester on Friday night. Jordan Stewart returns to the side after helping Australia U21s to qualify for the World U21 Team World Cup, although rider replacement will operate for the unfortunate Tom Bacon.

Glasgow are led by the excellent Craig Cook, who sits top of the Championship averages and is through to the GP Qualifier. They have a powerful looking team throughout, with Paul Starke and Rasmus Jensen having shown a liking to the Media Prima Arena in the past. At reserve Kyle Bickey has hit some big scores in recent weeks, whilst young Aussie Connor Bailey makes his first visit to the MPA.

Bears promoter Jitenda Duffill knows his side are in for a tough meeting:

“Glasgow are another very strong team and are led by the very impressive Craig Cook. I’m sure you will all be very excited to watch him race and the races featuring him and our big guns are a mouth watering prospect. We need a good lead to take to Glasgow on Friday which won’t be easy. ”

Bears fans are reminded there will be a collection for Tom Bacon and Broc Nicol at this meeting, after the pair suffered injuries over the past week.

Redcar: Charles Wright, r/r for Tom Bacon, Ulrich Ostergaard, Jordan Stewart, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Greaves, Jack Smith
Glasgow: Craig Cook, James Sarjeant, Rasmus Jensen, Claus Vissing, Paul Starke, Kyle Bickley, Connor Bailey

The Redcar Agilia Bears received the upsetting news yesterday that Tom Bacon has broken the L4 Vertebrae in his back as a result of a crash he had during the Championship Fours in Peterborough last week.
Tom missed the Agilia Bears trip to Somerset last Wednesday but returned for their clash at home against Leicester on Friday, scoring 4 points. However, Tom complained of severe pain whilst racing and subsequently went to hospital to get checked over. It was there that he was dealt the devastating news.

Tom now faces a lengthy spell on the injury list as he will have a back brace fitted which is to be worn for 4-6 weeks. This will rule Tom out for most of the season, leaving Promoters Jitendra Duffill and Jade Mudgway little choice other than to seek a replacement.
Duffill said, ‘Jade and I are absolutely gutted for Tom and this is rotten luck for him. Tom was a vital member of our squad and he will be a big miss. He has been a model professional and a pleasure to work with. We are now seeking a replacement and Bears fans can expect a new rider to join our side next week, who will be announced on Wednesday.’

The Bears were defeated by 8 points at Leicester last night, narrowly missing out on a league point with a battling display after losing guest Broc Nicol to injury early in the meeting. Broc was knocked off by Josh Bates in Heat 3 and suffered a severe concussion as well as injuries to his shoulder and ankle.

Redcar will be holding a joint collection for Tom and Broc during their next home fixture this Tuesday, when the Bears face Glasgow in the 2nd round of the KO Cup. We would like to wish both riders well and a swift recovery.

Redcar Agilia Bears feel just short of a point at Leicester on Saturday night, losing 40-32 after the match had to be abandoned after 12 heats due to the curfew.

The reason for the curfew was a down to a horror crash involving Leicester’s Josh Bates and Redcar’s guest for the night Broc Nicol in heat 3. Both riders needed lengthy medical attention at the track, with both riders also then taking a trip to hospital. Nicol was knocked unconscious in the crash, as well as suffering a broken collarbone. Bates suffered a concussion – we pass our best wishes to both riders for a swift recovery.

When the meeting restarted, the Bears did well to keep the scorelines close throughout. Charles Wright was superb as he notched four straight wins to top score with 12 points. It was another good night for Nathan Greaves as well, scoring 9+1. Unfortunately for the Bears, the curfew fell just as the Bears fell 8 behind for the first time in the night, meaning they lost out on a well deserved league point.

Leicester = 40 

1. Scott Nicholls 2, 2′, 2 = 6+1
2. Ellis Perks R, X, 3, 3, 1′ = 7+1
3. Josh Bates Fx = 0 Withdrawn
4. Ryan Douglas 3, 2, 1, 3 = 9
5. Rory Schlein (G) 3, 3, 2 = 8
6. Jason Edwards (G) 1, 0 = 1
7. Connor Mountain 3, 1, 0, 3, 1′, 1 = 9+1

Redcar = 32 

1. Charles Wright 3, 3, 3, 3 = 12
2. Tom Bacon R/R (NG 1, JS 1, UO 2, NG 0 = 4)
3. Ulrich Ostergaard 1′, 2, 2, F, 0 = 5+1
4. Broc Nicol (G) Withdrawn
5. Michael Palm Toft F, 0, 2 = 2
6. Nathan Greaves 1, 2, 2, 1, 1′, 0, 2 = 9+1
7. Jack Smith 0, 2, 1, 1′, 0 = 4+1