NICKI WINS RICO MEMORIAL

Saturday 1st September 2012, 21:48

Triple world champion Nicki Pedersen triumphed in the emotionally-charged Lee Richardson Memorial meeting at Rzeszow on Saturday.

The Dane led the way on 14 points, while Rafal Okoniewski defeated Aussie international Davey Watt in a run-off for second place after they tied on 12.

Grand Prix star Chris Holder and former Polish champion Janusz Kolodziej both bagged 11. Russian racer Emil Sayfutdinov overcame a heavy bout of flu to score seven points from three outings before his illness forced him to withdraw.

None of the riders were paid for their efforts on Rico’s Ekstraliga home track and all the proceeds from the event were donated to the Team GB legend’s wife Emma and their sons Josh, Jake and Jenson.

Emma, who was welcomed into the Municipal Stadium with loud chants of ‘Lee, Lee Richardson’, was also presented with a cheque for 7,000 PLN (around £1,330), which was raised by the sale of Lee Richardson shirts at Rzeszow’s meetings. A minute’s silence was observed before the action got underway.

British fans can honour Rico’s memory when his Elite League club Lakeside stage a meeting in his honour on September 28.

Defending world champion Greg Hancock, Holder, Andreas Jonsson and Chris Harris are set to take part, as well as Darcy Ward, Scott Nicholls and Rory Schlein.

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