Saturday 14th April 2012, 09:00

British star Scott Nicholls has declared himself ready and available for the FIM Monster Energy Speedway World Cup this July after sitting out last year’s Race-Off at Gorzow.

The Ipswich-born hotshot opted against following the Lions overseas last summer as his wife Sophie had undergone surgery and couldn’t look after their daughter Maya unaided.

Nicholls agreed to compete in Event Two at King’s Lynn and scored six points as the Brits finished second to eventual winners Poland.

But the Coventry man is one of Team GB’s most experienced performers and there is no doubt the Lions would stand their best chance of reaching the SWC Final at Malilla on July 14 with him in top form.

With Sophie back to full health, Nicholls is ready to give the SWC his undivided attention this summer.

And he is looking forward to colliding with Australia, the Czech Republic and a qualifier in SWC Event Two at King’s Lynn on July 9.

He said: “This year, it’s something I can be part of and it’s enjoyable to mix it up with the top boys. This is an opportunity for me to do that.”

Nicholls admits Poole team manager Neil Middleditch’s return to the national setup last season has kept him enthusiastic about riding for the Lions.

He added: “I rode for Middlo for two seasons down at Poole and I’ve got a good relationship with him.

“I think a lot of him and I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him. It was only because of the fact he was team manager that I considered coming back to race for Team GB last year.

“He has spoken to me about this summer, but it’s a long way off. I’ll just take every meeting as it comes.”

National bosses can only pick four riders instead of five for this year’s SWC following rule changes announced during the winter.

Nicholls believes the change could work in Team GB’s favour and make the Lions more competitive.

He said: “With the five-man squad, we’ve kind of been missing that fifth person. In a four-against-four meeting, we’d be competitive.

“I don’t think they could tempt Lee (Richardson) back, but if they could, Lee on his day could do a very good job.

“Ed (Kennett) is in good form and there are a few other boys, so we’ll see. I think a four-man team will favour us – it will give us a better chance.”

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