Dan Bewley has admitted Sunday’s world title success for Great Britain has taken time to sink in.
The 23-year-old Maryport racer had a key role to play as GB became Speedway World Champions for the first time since 1989.
He told Cumbria Crack: “It was unreal in many ways, an incredible feeling, especially to do it in front of fans who have backed me since I started six years ago.
“It’s very special to have won the Speedway of Nations on my home track and where I started, in front of the fans who have supported me from day one. This is for the fans of Great Britain.”
Bewley, who rode for Workington Comets before they closed, picked up the crucial third place in the final against Poland to ensure a Great Britain triumph by 5-4.
Despite Poland’s Bartosz Zmarzlik, Great Britain filled second and third place after Maciej Janowski crashed on the first lap.
Bewley, who was brought in to replace Tai Woffinden after he was injured in a crash on Saturday, said: “I saw one of the Poles was in trouble and when he fell I knew we’d done it but still had to stay on for three laps.
“I must admit it felt like I’d forgotten how to ride a bike. My arms went weak knowing we were on the verge of gold.”
But he did enough to complete in third and start joyous celebrations among the capacity Belle Vue crowd.
“It’s been my best season ever in speedway and this just put the icing on it. I’ve never felt anything like it.
“It started with the Euro Championships and doing enough to qualify for next year’s event. My Polish team won the League over there and I doubled my average for them. I’ve also agreed a deal with them for next year.
“While I’ve had a good year for Belle Vue and got a podium finish in the British final.
“It would be nice to finish on a high at Belle Vue this weekend when I’m in the Peter Craven meeting.”
