Bastian’s back

 It will come as no surprise to his army of social media followers after a week of subtle hints but we are delighted to officially confirm the return of Bastian Borke to Shielfield Park in 2025.

He may have only ridden 11 matches in our colours in a 2024 campaign which ended so cruelly at Poole in May but that was enough to make the 22-year-old Dane a firm fan favourite with his exciting style and never-say-die attitude.

It’s been a long road back to fitness following that Wimborne Road horror spill with Bastian’s left knee taking the brunt of the impact with the safety fence.

He went under the surgeon’s knife three weeks ago for an operation which involved nerve grafts and is currently undergoing twice-weekly laser and magnetic therapy and also working in the gym on his upper body strength.

A major interview in the Speedway Star and a typically upbeat appearance at the end of season presentation night in the Black and Gold left no-one in any doubt that Bastian wanted to be a Bandit again this year.

Now it’s all systems go for the man from Silkeborg who proved last year that Edinburgh’s loss was very much our gain.

He joins Craig Cook, Rory Schlein, Drew Kemp and Danyon Hume in the Bandits’ 2025 line-up.

Which leaves the management team of Steven Dews, Stewart Dickson and Jamie Courtney with 7.33 to cover the remaining two riders. We will let you know when the ink dries on the contracts.

Pictures: Taylor Lanning/ Taz McDougall