Cubs captain back for 2022
TALENTED TEENAGER JOE THOMPSON SIGNS NEW DEAL
LEICESTER’S team manager, David Howard, has confirmed that highlyrated teenager Joe Thompson has agreed to a new contract to race for the Lion Cubs in the National Development League again in 2022.
Howard said: “It’s great to have Joe back to captain the Lion Cubs again. Joe will be one of the leading lights in the whole National Development League and will form a formidable top end for the Cubs as he leads the team into 2022 with the aim of challenging at the top end of the table once again, as well as for individual and pairs honours.”
The 17-year-old was handed the captain’s armband in July when the current incumbent, Joe Lawlor, announced his retirement and thus became the youngest rider to be appointed at this level in the club’s history.
Thompson grew into the role and became a huge inspiration to his team-mates, scoring double figures in all but two league matches.
The Lion Cubs skipper increased his match average by over two points over the course of the season and ended the campaign with the eighth-highest figures of all riders that competed in the whole of the National Development League.
Thompson shared his time between racing in different divisions for Leicester’s senior and junior sides last season and will continue the double-up arrangement again in 2022.
Along with Tom Spencer and Mickie Simpson, Thompson is the third rider from the 2021 team to return and with newcomer Connor Coles also a confirmed starter, Leicester have just three more spaces to fill to complete their side for next year.