7:00am Thursday 12th June 2008
By Phil Chard
MAGNUS Zetterstrom today admitted: "I can't believe I'm back on top of the Elite League" after inspiring Pirates to a crushing 55-37 home win over Wolves last night.
Zorro, as the Swede is called, lowered British Grand Prix champion Chris Harris' colours as he produced a sparkling 15 paid 17-point performance.
Victory lifted Poole Castle Cover above Swindon into perch position on superior race points difference for the first time this season.
It could only be for 24 hours as Robins are expected to beat Eastbourne at home tonight.
But Zorro, who reaped the dividends of a special solo practice session yesterday afternoon, helped the feel good factor return to Wimborne Road after Pirates had lost their previous two home meetings.
Zetterstrom, who had used a new Phil Crump-serviced engine for the first time, said: "It's great to be in a Poole team that is top of the Elite again.
"The last time I was here was when we won the Elite League in 2004, and it's been a long time.
"When I left Poole we had just won everything after completing a league and cup double.
"You always think what a good feeling it would be if you could do something like that again, and that's how I feel now.
"I hope we can do that again at Poole one day and I can be part of it, hopefully later this year.
"We're in a good position to do it, but there are still many good teams to beat to be able to achieve that.
"Fingers crossed everyone stays fit and we remain injury free."
Zetterstrom, who had starred for Somerset on loan since 2005 before rejoining Pirates last month, added: "I've been riding Premier League for three years, but I've always dreamt of riding for Poole again.
"That's why it feels so good to be top again."
Zetterstrom, who famously cried after captaining Pirates to league glory four years ago, had been riding on borrowed equipment before last night because he sold all his British gear over the winter.
He said: "I thought I wasn't going to be riding here, but I took delivery of three new engines yesterday, one from Craig Boyce, one from Peter Johns and one from Phil Crump.
"I've good equipment set up personally for me and it feels so much better, it gives you more confidence.
"I tried all three during a practice session yesterday and used the Crump one last night.
"It worked perfectly. I had seven races and never had to make any changes to the set up. It was also great to beat a rider like Chris because he's one of the top guys."
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