Express & Star

Riders dazzle in Wolverhampton Olympique

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British speedway star Chris Harris put in a spectacular display to triumph in Wolverhampton's season-opening Banks's Olympique Classic at Monmore Green last night.

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The Grand Prix star showed why he remains one of the most entertaining riders in British speedway, dropping just one point with a remarkable showing to climb to the top of the rostrum.

He prevailed in a brilliant battle with home favourite Fredrik Lindgren in heat 10, re-passing the Swedish star on the final bend, before an incredible ride from third to last in heat 19 saw him wrap up victory.

Harris blasted around Jacob Thorssell before hunting down main contender Sam Masters on the penultimate lap to snatch the title.

Meanwhile, all-action Aussie Rory Schlein prevailed in a run-off for second place whilst Ricky Wells ended a fine evening by fending off returning Wolves star Fredrik Lindgren for third.

Defending champion Peter Karlsson appeared an early contender as he kicked off his evening with two classy race wins, although he eventually narrowly missed out on a rostrum spot.

He was involved in a spectacular heat 17 battle with Wells; the American ace holding on for a fine victory as he began his season with a strong showing.

acob Thorssell narrowly missed out on the top three as he picked up where he left off in 2014 with an excellent performance, while highly-rated Polish new-boy Tobiasz Musielak looked comfortable around his home circuit as he notched a solid five points on his debut.

New Wolves reserve Lewis Blackbird also displayed some hugely encouraging signs, demonstrating his clear speed when he hit the front to see off No.1 Lindgren in composed fashion in heat 15.

Wolves start their Elite League campaign at Coventry on Friday.

Results: Chris Harris 14 (1st), Rory Schlein 11 (2nd after run-off), Ricky Wells 11 (3rd), Fredrik Lindgren 11, Sam Masters 11, Jacob Thorssell 10 Peter Karlsson 9, Scott Nicholls 8, Lasse Bjerre 7,Lewis Blackbird 7, Kenneth Hansen 7, Aaron Summers 6, Tobiasz Musielak 5, David Howe 2, Jakub Jamrog 1, Josh Bates 0.