Workington’s German rider Celina Liebmann has pencilled in a major target towards the end of the season.
It has just been announced that Leicester will stage the 2024 Women’s Open Championship which has generated excitement and interest both in the UK and worldwide.
The event takes place at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park on Saturday August 31, where it will run alongside a round of the British Youth Championship series.
Applications for the Women’s Open have been received not only from the UK, but also from Europe and one from Australia!
Great Britain will be represented by their top two female riders, Katie Gordon and Rachel Hellowell, both of whom currently compete in British Speedway’s Development Leagues.
There are currently three German riders registered to take part – where undisputed world number one Liebmann, who races for the Comets in the Cab Direct Championship, will be joined by 16-year-old Hannah Grunwald and 20-year-old Patricia Erhardt.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Teagan Pedler is making the trip from Adelaide, Australia, to help make the event a true international occasion.
SCB co-ordinator Neil Vatcher said: “Having staged the event for the first time in 2023, this year’s Championship seems to have caused even more excitement and interest.
“Along with the FIM, British Speedway is working hard to encourage more women to participate in the sport, and with the influx of the International riders along with Katie and Rachel, this year’s event will be one not to be missed.”
Liebmann became the first female rider to ride professionally in Britain when she signed for the Comets during the winter.
She beat her first opponent on Sunday at Northside when she took third ahead of a dismayed Berwick reserves Bastion Borke.
Team manager James Denham said: “We knew it would take time to get accustomed to conditions here but she is on the pace and will undoubtedly improve with experience.”
