THOMAS TAKES TIME OUT FROM THE UK

NEWS Tuesday 9th June 2009, 9:03am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

After discussions with our Swedish rider Thomas H Jonasson, the Scotwaste Monarchs have to announce that Thomas will be withdrawing from UK racing for the immediate future.

It is recognised that Thomas has had perhaps the most extensive programme of racing of any current competitor, racing in Sweden, Poland and the UK as well as competing simultaneously in the World Under-21 championship, the Swedish Under-21 Championship, the Grand Prix Qualifiers and the World Under-21 team Championship.

In addition to this, as everyone knows, he has had to bear the tragic recent loss of his father who played such a key role in Thomas's career. The pressure all this has brought to bear on a young man can only be imagined by most of us.

Naturally the club were disappointed by his non-arrival at Somerset last week due to missing flights, but we have accepted his explanations.

Thomas told us on Monday ?I will tell you that I can't handle 3 countries at the moment, it's just too much and I have to work hard just racing in 2 countries now.

?I know that a lot of people will be angry but I am ready to take that and I am also ready to pay back sponsorship for anyone who wants that. I am sorry about this but I can't handle all this now.?

Thomas has requested a break but neither club nor rider has closed the door to him riding in the team in the future. He said ?If you want me back in the team after that I really want that, if not then I will stop racing in UK and hope that you will do well!?

In the immediate future the club will operate rider replacement for a 28-day period, having been granted the facility by the BSPA.