Former Workington favourite Peter Kildemand will be racing in the Championship next season for Berwick Bandits.
The Shielfield Park side have completed a shock move for the former Grand Prix winner who will race at Cab Direct Championship level for the first time since 2011.
The Dane, whose return to British Speedway in the top-flight with Oxford was announced last week, has now agreed a deal with the Bandits which will be 14 years after he rode for Workington.
British Under-21 Champion Sam Hagon is also on his way to Shielfield Park having ridden for champions Poole this year, whilst Dayle Wood steps up to complete the team after impressing for Edinburgh in the NDL.
But crowd favourite Rory Schlein has announced he will not be racing next season – having previously agreed to return to Berwick.
The former British Champion has recovered from the neck and shoulder injuries which ended his 2024 campaign, and he was all set to lead the Bandits in the Cab Direct Championship.
However, work commitments have forced a change of plan for Schlein, sending the Shielfield Park side in a different direction with completing their team.
Schlein said: “My work commitments drastically changed after I had agreed terms with (owner) Jamie Courtney meaning that, much to my disappointment, I won’t be racing next season.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation for the club or the fans but even after breaking the difficult news to Jamie and (manager) Stewart Dickson they have been supportive and understanding.
“I wish Berwick all the best as they push for that long-awaited trophy.”
Manager Dickson said: “Rory’s news left us in a difficult position but, despite it throwing a spanner in the works, we’ve worked diligently to get the best seven guys on the track.
“Jamie Courtney worked very hard to get the Peter Kildemand deal over the line, and I think we have a mixture of experience and exciting potential which will give Bandits fans a team to get behind in 2025.”
