POOLE Cycle Speedway’s world champion Macie Schmidt was guest of honour at a civic reception hosted by town mayor Lindsay Wilson.

Schmidt recently returned from Australia where she was crowned world under-16 champion, going unbeaten in the final in Adelaide.

She then raced to the silver medal in the women’s final to round off her first visit Down Under.

The reception also recognised Schmidt’s achievements in winning the British senior and under-16 titles last year, the first time a racer has completed a domestic double.

She was joined by a number of her Poole team-mates including British under-12 champion Maddie Saunders, regional under-14 champion Anna Tuttle and British Youth and Junior League regulars Jasmine Oddie, Rosie Baker and Lexi Curtis.

Poole coach Jay Briggs said: “Macie is a great role model for the rest of our girls’ squad.

“And between them they made a vital contribution to our success in the British Club Championship and BYJL competitions.”