Wednesday 24th October 2012, 11:49

Double world champion Greg Hancock is back with Piraterna for 2013 and joins forces with Aussie icon Chris Holder – the man who snatched his SGP crown.

The pair powered the Swedish Pirates into the Elitserien play-off final, but were unable to prevent Vetlanda regaining their crown. Anton Rosen is also back in Motala.

Vetlanda’s title win was inspired by a blistering season from Danish international Leon Madsen. But next year’s SGP second reserve has been surprisingly released by the club.

Madsen lifted his average from 1.172 to 2.015 and this left him unemployable following rules changes, forcing clubs to start every meeting with at least three Swedish riders.

Vetlanda boss Bo Wirebrand admitted on the club’s website: "This is one of the most difficult decisions I have made ​​during my time at Elit Vetlanda. I hope he is back here pretty soon."

Madsen has found a new club in Denmark and joins Hancock at Slangerup for next season.

Elsewhere, Russian international Grigory Laguta has switched to Smederna following Valsarna’s exit from the Elitserien. He joins the likes of SGP rider Andreas Jonsson, Krzysztof Buczkowski, Peter Karlsson, Magnus Zetterstrom and Kenni Larsen at the club.

And Hammarby hero Grzegorz Walasek has agreed fresh terms with the Stockholm outfit for 2013.

The Polish international enjoyed a super-consistent season and regularly filled the points void left by his compatriot Tomasz Gollob, who suffered a number of dips in form this year.

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