THOMAS GIVES MONARCHS THUMBS UP

NEWS Monday 13th April 2009, 8:50am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Even though his Swedish club Vetlanda are racing at home next Friday, Thomas H Jonasson will definitely be lining up for Monarchs at Armadale against Workington.

There were apparently rumours to the contrary at the stadium last Friday, but they were incorrect.

The Vetlanda meeting features twelve Swedish clubs racing Friday and Saturday, and it is an annual event. Vetlanda wanted Thomas to ride on both days, but the agreement between the BSPA and Svemo clarifies that our official fixture tonight takes precedence.

As usual Thomas found himself in the middle, being pressurised by his Swedish club and their team manager Bo Wirebrand to be there. As Thomas has often said, all he really wants is to be told where he must ride, and he will be there.

Edinburgh were certain that the agreement gave our match priority but confirmation was required for the Swedes. On this occasion though Thomas had already informed Mr Wirebrand that he would be in Edinburgh (and would then do his best to be back for the Saturday event) when the confirmation arrived via Chris Van Straaten of the BSPA and Anders Carlberg of Svemo that he should race for Edinburgh.

Thomas's dad Michal said ?Thomas is definitely committed to Edinburgh and will stick by the rules. He gets some unfair publicity and comments on the internet so I want people to know our side of things?.

He added ?Bo Wirebrand has been quite fair now that he knows what the agreement says?.

As things stand, our fixtures have been scheduled so that only Under-21 representative events and GP selection would cause Thomas to miss any matches ? as with any top-class young rider.