ACES SIGNING KURTZ READY TO BOUNCE BACK IN 2022

Aussie star Brady Kurtz has sealed a return to SGB Premiership club Belle Vue for 2022 and is determined to bounce back to full fitness after his 2021 season came to an abrupt end.

Kurtz was unable to line up for the Aces in the SGB Premiership Grand Final against Peterborough after suffering severe concussion in a crash at the prestigious Golden Helmet meeting at Czech track Pardubice on October 3.

The Cowra-born racer admits some time off Down Under has helped him get over that fall and he’s determined to get back to his best when he teams up with the likes of Max Fricke, Charles Wright and Tom Brennan in Manchester next year.

The 25-year-old said: “Obviously I didn’t finish last season in the way I was hoping. Not many people know, but I was unwell for quite a long time after that crash in the Golden Helmet.

“But I’m much better now and I think the decision not to ride was beneficial, and with not much racing going on in Australia right now, I’ve been able to further rest up.

“I’m hoping over the next few months to continue training for the new season, and to have plate taken out from when I broke my collarbone two years ago.

“So by the time I come back to the UK in March, I’ll be 100 percent fit and ready to pick up from where I left off last year.”

Kurtz admits extending his stay with the Aces was an easy call. He added: “Returning to Belle Vue wasn’t really much of a decision for me. I was always going to be back and I’m delighted to have the opportunity.

“It’s good to see Max, Charles and Tom back. The team is looking pretty good; we’ve got four strong riders so far and I think it’ll be a big year for us. I’ve pretty much grown up with Max and I’ve ridden with Charles in quite a few of the same teams over the years, so we’re all very good friends already.”

Photo: Taylor Lanning