Bees move for Mountain

COVENTRY have moved quickly to snap up Connor Mountain as their new No.1 – after being forced into an eve-of-season change of plan.

The Bees had been set to go into the campaign, which starts at Birmingham next Wednesday, with 17-year-old Jack ParkinsonBlackburn at the top of the order.

But it was announced on Monday that the former British Youth Champion was taking time out of the sport, and will not be taking up his team places with either Coventry or Championship club Glasgow.

Bees rapidly re-established contact with Mountain, who had shown an interest in joining the club earlier in the winter.

The 20-year-old suffered a broken back in 2016 but recovered to enjoy his best season in the sport last year, posting a 9.06 average for Mildenhall and progressing at Championship level with Ipswich.

Promoter Mick Horton said: “Connor approached me several weeks ago about joining us, but unfortunately for him we’d just completed our team at that stage.

“Connor is without doubt a recognised No.1 in the National League, and we’re very pleased to have him on board.

“He jumped at the chance of joining us, and he’ll be with us at Birmingham next Wednesday although we will need a guest at Belle Vue on Good Friday as he’s already committed with Ipswich on that day.

“As a club we’d also like to wish Jack all the best. It’s clearly something he needs to sort out himself, and I’m sure he will be bouncing back in the near future.”

With press and practice last weekend postponed due to the weather, Coventry are one of several clubs whose riders have been short of time on the circuit.

Horton added: “We’re desperately trying to get some track time at Leicester but it’s not easy at the moment. The track has taken on a lot of water and they’re working hard on it as we speak.”