CLAUS COUNTS THE COST

NEWS Monday 12th August 2013, 8:26pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The most remarkable thing about our successful speedway weekend has to be the return to action of Claus Vissing after the monumental pileup he was involved in on Friday night, in the heat 13 crash which forced the abandonment of the meeting.

Everyone must have feared some bad injuries resulting, but the only lasting ailment has been Rob Branford’s dislocated elbow, caused apparently by a flying bike.

Claus was in his place at no. 5, scored paid 8 from his first three and was then highly annoyed when a seat bracket broke in heat 13.

It’s true to say that his machinery did not emerge in as healthy a state, and he will face a hefty bill for repairs.

Claus told us “I remember everything about the crash. I think Rob made a jump, I got a good start and came over to go into the turn, then we were going straight and into the fence. I made a superman over the fence, flew over and landed on the track.

“At least nothing happened to me and he got out of it quite lucky as well, it’s only materials and they can be replaced.”

The crash, though, did cause major damage to Claus’ machinery. He listed the damage: “The front forks are destroyed, front wheel gone, handlebars, front mudguard, front exhaust pipe, seat and seat bracket, back mudguard and push bar are all written off.”

As for the financial consequences, he admitted “I don’t even want to think about that just now” though he didn’t argue at an assessment of £1,000 approximately.

Claus won two races on Sunday but in a way his other ride was his best, protecting Mitchell Davey’s back as the Aussie took a steady second place in heat 6. Claus passed and repassed before defeating Dakota North.

He said “I really tried to stick up for him because I really like Mitchell and I was trying everything I could to keep that going.

“Then I just couldn’t believe my luck when the seat bracket went on my other bike! I don’t mind losing a race on the track but I don’t like to lose it that way.”

Apart from crashes and bike problems, he is enjoying his season. “Definitely I enjoy myself here in Edinburgh, I just wish I can stay on forever. I’m sorry that the season is nearly finished now, we are going into the last bit. We can still win things, we need that and we can do it.”