GOLDEN BOY JOSH SPARKS WARNING

JOSH GRAJCZONEK has discovered a silver lining to the Covid-19 pandemic… working at an Australian gold mine.

The former World Cup star refused to join Bydgoszcz as the Polish First League got underway on Sunday.

He told the Polonia president that he is now earning more money at the gold mine than he would racing in Europe.

His decision has prompted Sheffield co-owner Peter Mole to warn clubs they could now face a rider shortage if the new season does finally start next month.

Grajczonek, 30, had also agreed to re-join Sheffield this season after helping them to the Championship title in 2017.

Mole confirmed: “We have got a couple of riders who don’t want to come back for a shortened season.

“The top riders, like former world champion Nicki Pedersen, are keen because they are racing in Poland earning money and the kids living at home want to get back on their bikes.

“But it is the important middle order riders who needed and took jobs driving and working for delivery firms while there has been no racing.

“They are in a different position and I think they will settle for a different quality of life, no risks and no travelling.”

With all riders on seasonal contracts based on how many points they score, the majority have had to take outside jobs to pay their mortgages and other bills.

Club owners are in talks with the government about a return to action next month with fans allowed in.

But they have yet to be given the go-ahead and there is major uncertainty how many riders will opt not to race.