Workington Comets have announced that Troy Batchelor will be returning to Northside next season – and will be the new team captain.
Batchelor, 37, will rejoin his 2024 team-mates Tate Zischke and Antti Vuolas next year as well as new signings Vinnie Foord, Jye Etheridge and Fraser Bowes as he takes over the captain’s role from the departing Craig Cook.
Before the start of last season question marks were very much raised over the Comets side, including the signing of the Australian, but Batchelor probably turned out to be one of the signings of the season in the Championship.
His remarkable consistency throughout the season home and away undoubtedly was the key factor in the Comets reaching the play-offs.
That consistency saw him increase his starting average by nearly 1.5 by the end of the season and also saw him win 2024 Rider of the Year, which voted by Comets fans.
Two notable performances from last season against Redcar and Berwick saw Batchelor at his best.
At Redcar when the Comets were down on man power he reeled off an 18 point score which, over the two legs home and away, meant Redcar weren’t able to clinch the aggregate bonus point and make the play-offs.
Then against Berwick, when the Comets were in a one-on-one battle with Glasgow for the last remaining play-off spot, Batchelor reeled off an unbelievable 14+1 paid maximum which put one foot in the door to reach the play-offs.
The Workington Speedway promotion therefore thought it was a no-brainer to bring him back for 2025.
Promoter Andrew Bain said: “I think all our fans will be delighted with this news. Batch was unbelievable for us last season – it was his performances, consistency and constant presence in the team that secured us the playoffs. So with that it was an obvious decision to bring him back – he loves it here!
“It was an easy decision for Troy we think as well. Despite the long drive he says it’s worth it when you get to ride a track like Northside every week. He is probably one of the most intelligent riders I’ve seen ride Northside, he seems to be one lap ahead of everyone else.
“Sometimes he might not be the quickest rider on track – but he is definitely the smartest.
“But what people don’t see with Troy is that he is fantastic in the pits as well. Last season obviously Tate and Antti were figuring things out in the UK but Batch was great with them and all the riders to be honest – so again it was no-brainer to make him the captain next season.”
That theme was underlined by team manager James Denham who added: “He is the perfect fit for us to lead from the front. He is the most intelligent rider I have worked with and being around Jason Doyle recently her said he was the best gater and the most intelligent he had ridden with and against.
“The advice he can give the younger riders is priceless and this was proven last year with the likes of Tate. He always pulled it out of the bag when required last season.
“That’s us done apart from another reserve. We are currently speaking to a number of riders. There is no means a shortage and we just need to ensure we get the right fit for the club.”
Meanwhile new skipper, Batchelor returns to Northside in 2025 with a starting average of 8.46.
