Workington Comets’ young Aussie Tate Zischke finished third in the Australian Under-21 championship at Albury Wodonga.
It was won by Beau Bailey who won FIM Speedway Youth World Championship silver in 2024 and bronze this year, and he added Aussie Under-21 gold at the first attempt.
He topped the podium ahead of SON2 internationals James Pearson in second, with Zischke in third and Mitchell McDiarmid in fourth.
Over the 12 qualifying heats, Bailey dropped just one point – finishing on 11 along with Zischke, while Pearson scored 10 and McDiarmid eight.
Bailey, who has signed for Polish PGE Ekstraliga side Grudziadz and Danish club Region Varde for 2026, then got the verdict in the A final to win the 12-rider event. It was the first time the competition has been staged since Michael West was crowned champion in 2023.
Zischke has been announced by the Comets as returning for a third successive season in 2026.
