SIX-time world champion Tony Rickardsson has joked with Pirates boss Matt Ford that he fancies a crack at the Poole track record.

The legendary Swede is poised to return to Wimborne Road on Friday for the club's 70th anniversary meeting, a venue where Antonio Lindback's 56.91-second mark has stood for 12 years.

And although the 47-year-old Rickardsson may not be taking part in the meeting proper, he is planning to give his laps nothing less than full throttle.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Tony has jokingly told me he is going to set out to break the track record. I always feel with Tony that he says things half-heartedly but actually means them.

"He is really looking forward to hitting the track again and seeing everyone from Poole.

"In my opinion, he is the greatest rider of all time. I know my kids, who did see Tony race but can only just remember it, are buzzing to see him ride again.

"I'm sure everyone feels the same way."

It had been hoped that Mark Loram, the first global champion to represent Pirates, would join Rickardsson in riding full pelt round the track.

However, Ford admitted Loram would be unable to fulfil that role.

"Mark is coming but he's not actually going to ride," said Ford.

"He had hoped he would be in a position to do it but, after all this time, he is still not feeling well enough to put his leg across a bike.

"I'm sure we will get Mark to come round on a bike but, as for putting a helmet on and going at any form of pace, I don't think that's going to happen."