MATTIA RIDES OUT
Published on 30/08/2007
By John Walsh
ITALIAN rider Mattia Carpanese has quit Workington Comets after a series of bad knocks drained his confidence.
Carpanese has returned to Italy and the Comets, who will use rider replacement for tonight’s Premier league meeting in the Isle of Wight, have been granted a facility to replace him in their line-up for the next 28 days.
Workington general manager Ian Thomas said: “I’m very sad about it because I had faith in Mattia. Unfortunately he has had three bad knocks and the last one in particular, seems to have affected him. He only scored one point in the three weekend matches and that was gifted to him by a fall.
“He was well off the pace and I don’t think there’s any doubt that he has lost confidence.
“We’ve spoken to his mentor Armando Castagna and he understands what’s happened. He’s hoping he’ll be able to build up that lost confidence again back in Italy.
“He wouldn’t have been riding for us this weekend because he’s involved in the European Pairs and I’m hoping he can do well there to give him a boost. He’s a smashing lad and was fifth in our averages on 4.12. I remember him best for a paid maximum at Derwent Park against Stoke and the 11 points he scored on the Potters’ home track when he also put up the fastest time of the night.
“There was some promise there but I think the three bad spills – two of them at Derwent Park and one on the continent, really affected him.”
The Comets will use rider replacement at number two for tonight’s rearranged fixture in the Isle of Wight. Craig Branney and both reserves Charles Wright and John Branney will be able to take Carpanese’s four programmed rides.
Workington have six league matches still to contest. After tonight, they host King’s Lynn on Saturday before travelling to Mildenhall on Sunday.
The Islanders are hoping to bounce back after Monday’s televised 61-29 hammering at Rye House. The Islanders have lost just one home meeting in 18 months.
Other stories from this category that may
interest you:
Back