Former Workington Comets star Simon Stead has stepped down as joint Great Britain team manager, leaving Oliver Allen in sole charge for the 2026 FIM Speedway World Cup.
Stead and Allen joined forces to end the Lions’ 32-year wait for a world team title when they led the side to 2021 SON glory in Manchester, before repeating the feat at the National Speedway Stadium in 2024.
They also won SON silver at Vojens in 2022 and came within seconds of 2023 SWC victory in Wroclaw, when Poland dramatically denied them gold on the final lap of a last-heat decider.
Stead will continue to manage British Premiership side Sheffield, but admits he is keen to spend more time with his family after a sensational six seasons in the hotseat alongside Allen.
He said: “It has been the most incredible journey to be part of the Great Britain team.
“To work with my close friend Olly and enjoy so much success has been so rewarding in so many ways. There have been so many highs. Those are memories I will never forget.
“It’s such a difficult decision to step down. But at this moment, it’s important for me to spend more time at home with my wife Amy and sons Chester and Jude.
“I already have a full-time job plus working as Sheffield’s team manager.
“The Great Britain job is mainly abroad, which means so much time away from home. It’s the right decision for my family and that’s all that matters. I’ll always be there for GB and Olly.”
Stead, now 43, rode for the Comets in 2003 and 2004, winning his third British Under-21s title during his time at Derwent Park.
He also won the Premiers League Pairs title with Carl Stonehewer.
