Wolves' Tai Woffinden to sit out Elite League

The 2013 world champion admitted something had to give with his schedule and believes missing the Elite League will be beneficial to his hopes of regaining the crown.

And he said: "Wolverhampton are my club and I know I let them down last season, but it was tough for me.

"I did everything I could to be a good world champion and took on every commitment I possibly could. It was such a hard year for me and I was physically and mentally exhausted.

"My health is my main concern. I have to manage my schedule better and stay healthy and this is the way I am going for now but it doesn't mean the end of my Wolverhampton career, far from it."

Woffinden reckons the decision won't be a major surprise to many, saying: "I don't think so, but I want to assure everyone it wasn't taken lightly.

"I'm extremely proud to represent Great Britain in the Grand Prix series and the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup. When I was appointed captain of my country it meant so much to me.

"But I have spoken to a lot of different people around me and particularly those who are close to me and I simply cannot afford a repeat of 2014, when everything became too much for me.

"I was mentally and physically exhausted in July and had to take some time off, I don't want to be doing that again.

"I have to take responsibility, it was my decision to pack my diary with as many meetings as possible during my time as world champion.

"But it's different now and I'm hoping this decision helps me realise my ambitions for 2015.

"Obviously, I want to win the world title again. I want to do well for Great Britain. I am just sorry that the British League is the one which has to make way in my diary.

"I'm extremely proud of what I have achieved with my clubs in British racing and I hope to achieve more in years to come.

"But, for now, something has to give and I need some time out from the busy schedule. I will focus on Poland, where they ride on Sundays and Sweden on Tuesdays.

If Britain was one set night then I would have been able to fit that in, but nothing has changed with the league apart from one less team than those which ended last season.

"I would like to thank all my fans throughout the UK and I hope I can count on their support in Cardiff in July."

Wolverhampton boss Peter Adams fully understands Woffinden's decision and will remain alongside Woffinden at Grand Prix meetings – as long as he doesn't ride for any other British club.

He said: "It's naturally disappointing for British fans but we have to understand and respect Tai's decision.

"If Tai was to be back with Wolverhampton in 2015, we would want the 2013 version and not the 2014 version.

"Tai has given me his assurance that he has no interest in riding for any other club in the UK and he still regards Wolverhampton very much as his club.

"Whilst that is the case I am happy to continue supporting him in his Grand Prix career – but with a strong emphasis on the fact that he doesn't crop up riding for another club.

"I can also reveal Tai didn't need to commit to all 28 league fixtures with Wolverhampton, as the AGM saw a proposal passed whereby a position in the team can be shared between two riders.

"That decision was taken because Tai isn't the only rider who has been talking like this, but he was aware of that before he came to his final decision.

"It's a sad day in many ways, but I am certain it's not the end of his Wolverhampton career. He will be back."