Theo Returns To Monarchs

NEWS Sunday 18th June 2017, 8:50pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Parsons Peebles Monarchs will bring their experienced rider Theo Pijper into the team this week to replace the unlucky Mark Riss who is expected to be missing for six weeks following injuries sustained last Friday. The change is subject to BSPA approval.

Theo, who has had eight previous seasons with Monarchs since first signing in 2002, was away competing in the World Longtrack Championship (finishing fourth) at the weekend but he quickly agreed his terms to return to his former team.

He said “I’ve had my talk with John and that went all OK. It’s sad for Mark, I know the Riss family well, but torn ligaments are not nice, I remember when I had a similar injury and I didn’t like it.”

Theo reckons he will be suitably prepared right from his first match which will be at Redcar this Thursday. “I’ve been riding non-stop so far, I’ve done a few speedway meetings abroad with good results so I will be ready on Thursday. My equipment is as good as new so we will just go for it.”

There has been much discussion on the new grippier track Monarchs have had in recent weeks, and the club certainly think that Theo would have no difficulties riding these conditions.

He commented “I’ve been there long enough to know. I hope the team will help me a little bit with setups if anything’s changed. I’m pleased to be there.”

Even with Glasgow winning at Newcastle, Monarchs sit five points clear at the top of the table. Theo final comment was “We’ll keep that going. I’ll be putting 100% in don’t worry.”

It was clarified yesterday that Mark Riss has two dislocated fingers and other hand damage, which is expected to mean a six-week absence.