Tai Woffinden to take a year out of World Cup speedway
Tai Woffinden has confirmed he will be taking a year out of the World Cup in 2017 – but he hasn't retired from the Great Britain side.
The World Champion, who helped Wolverhampton to the Elite League title in 2009, says he has no intention of making a bid to switch nationalities to Australia, the country where he spent his childhood.
He admits there have been issues behind the scenes which have contributed to his decision.
The 26-year-old, who will return to British racing with Wolves on Monday, said: "I've made a decision to sit out the 2017 World Cup but I remain proud to represent Great Britain in the Grand Prix.
"We'll see where we are at in 2018, who knows I may be back for that. I've enjoyed representing Great Britain and meeting up with all the fans at Belle Vue was great for me.
"And I can never forget the reception the fans gave me at Cardiff, that was a special moment and I really appreciate all the support from my British fans.
"I can also confirm I won't be looking to switch nationalities and ride for Australia, that's not part of my thinking.
"I wish Great Britain all the best for next year's competition, but it's time for me to take some time out."
Woffinden is in the middle of a busy spell with last weekend's Swedish Grand Prix in Malilla, followed by Poland, a return trip to Sweden, back to Poland this weekend – and then his return to British racing with Wolverhampton on Monday.
"Malilla wasn't the best for me," he said. "In fact it was my worst Grand Prix of the season but I'm staying positive, I just couldn't get it together there.
"We've still come away with eight points and I'm still in a reasonable position in the championship so it's on to Gorzow for the next one, put Malilla to one side and learn from mistakes.
"I'm really excited about being back at Wolves next Monday, I can't wait to see all the supporters again and I'm sure we will have a good night.
"It's a good time to be back because we have a double-header against Swindon and King's Lynn on Bank Holiday Monday too, hopefully the stadium will be packed and we can set ourselves up for a big push towards the play-offs.
"It's been a mixed season for me in Poland and Sweden, we beat Torun with Wroclaw on Monday and I scored 11which wasn't too bad and it was a pleasing result for us.
"I'm just going to enjoy the rest of the season from here and keep doing my best. Again, I want to thank all my fans, their support is really appreciated."
