Two sign on for Monarchs
The Edinburgh Monarchs have announced two more arrivals for the 2017 season.
American World Cup star Ricky Wells will be suiting up for the Monarchs next season and he will be joined by the returning Mark Riss.
The 25-year-old Wells has long had a reputation as Armadale Stadium’s best visiting rider and the Monarchs’ management team will be hoping that transfers into success next season.
The former Workington Comets and Sheffield Tigers rider called the move north of the border “overdue.”
He said: “I had a good time at Workington but once I sorted a deal out with Edinburgh I was very excited and I’m looking forward to the start of the season. It’s definitely overdue.”
Ricky doesn’t know yet who he will be riding alongside but hopes that it will include Sam Masters, a rider he has much respect for.
He said: “I’ve known Sam for quite a few years now. I hope he’s back because I think the team should have an out and out number one.
“I rode there for Workington the whole year last season, so if Sam’s there I’ll have to get used to going out in heat four. I think we would be quite strong especially at home.”
Riss will be teaming up with his younger brother Erik, who was the first to sign on the dotted line for the club last month.
Mark joined the team in June last season and after a period of adjustment, his form both home and away improved.
He is confident that he will have a successful time next summer, saying: “It was a learning process for my first year, different from Germany. It was hard to get into it but I felt quite comfortable in the end.
“I can do a lot better next year. I have got the Armadale track dialled in now, and I really like it. I feel I can ride outside and inside.”
While four of the team have yet to be announced, it is quite likely that Mark will start at reserve on a 4.00 average.
The elder Riss added: “I am very pleased to be back with the Monarchs. I haven’t talked with Ricky Wells yet but I think he is a nice guy. I think it would be good if I can start at reserve and get more points at the beginning.
“I would feel comfortable then when I went into the team at maybe number 3 or 4.”
He added: “I have not really started building my bikes yet, I will think about it in January. I will be riding again for Landshut in Germany and I may get some guest rides for Silkeborg in Denmark.”