PIOTR Swiderski is using the freezing conditions currently being experienced around Europe to prepare himself for the summer season ahead at Foxhall.The Ipswich Witches' Polish star, and one of the first riders to sign for the Suffolk side for 2009, is practising his speedway on a frozen lake near his home in Rawicz, while temperatures in Poland plummet to -22 degrees.

Mike Bacon

PIOTR Swiderski is using the freezing conditions currently being experienced around Europe to prepare himself for the summer season ahead at Foxhall.

The Ipswich Witches' Polish star, and one of the first riders to sign for the Suffolk side for 2009, is practising his speedway on a frozen lake near his home in Rawicz, while temperatures in Poland plummet to -22 degrees.

But the heart-warming news for the Foxhall faithful is that Swiderski, who upped his average by almost three points in 2008, can't wait for the season to start. And he predicts big things for the Witches.

“I have looked at the Ipswich team this season and I like the look of it,” Swiderski said.

“We have no big stars. We are not just two top riders and no one else any good. We have a good team.

“The team is young and I really like the look of it.”

Swiderski is hoping to build on the excellent preparation he feels was crucial to his success last year as he moved from reserve to No.1 in the Foxhall side in thrilling fashion.

“I prepared well last season and that was important,” he said. “Riding at a club like Ipswich helped, with people I felt comfortable with and a nice track. That's why I was quick to re-sign.”

Despite finishing top of the First Division averages in Poland last season, Swiderski has resisted the temptation to move up into the Extra League in Poland, moving instead to another First Division club, Tarnow.

“I had offers to join a couple of Extra League clubs, but quite honestly the deals weren't that great and at Tarnow I'm guaranteed a place in the team every week.

“I hope to make the Grand Prix series in 2010, but qualifying from here in Poland is so very hard because there are so many good riders.”

Swiderski is also on the look out for local sponsorship in the Ipswich area as he builds up his equipment towards the new season.

“I would be grateful of any help from people in Ipswich, and in return I will find time to visit factories or businesses with my bikes and meet people, sign some autographs, that sort of thing.”

Anyone interested can contact Piotr through by e-mailing Paul Fitzell at swiderski-racing@live.co.uk, or by calling 07984 411388.