Holder is over 'crazy period' (From Bournemouth Echo)

Holder is over 'crazy period'

10:08am Monday 28th July 2008 in

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YOUNG gun Chris Holder believes he has got over a "crazy period" of racing after stepping up a gear for Pirates.

Giving a verdict on his own first-half display in his inaugural Elite League campaign, the 20-year-old Aussie said: "It has gone to plan.

"It has been everything and more. I'm happy with how everything has gone.

"The bikes are working really well and I'm just riding pretty smartly, not stupidly.

"I've got over that crazy period I had earlier in the year.

"If you are in a winning team you enjoy it.

"It's a perfect position for me being in a winning team."

Holder joined Poole Castle Cover after completing a two-year apprenticeship with Isle of Wight in the Premier League.

He has helped Pirates soar to the top of the Elite with some spectacular performances, including a 15-point maximum on a new bike in a big home win over Belle Vue last time out.

Poole chief Matt Ford has tipped Holder to be a future world champion and a lot is expected of the youngster from the Wimborne Road faithful.

Holder, who tops Pirates' July racing averages, said: "There is probably more pressure here at Poole than there was on the island.

"The Isle of Wight wasn't so bad. Of course they wanted me to score points.

"But there is definitely more pressure here because if I score five points, it's like everyone is saying what is wrong with him'?"

Pirates, currently two points clear of title rivals Swindon, host Eastbourne in the league on Wednesday and are in a good position to emulate their 2004 title-winning campaign.

Holder said: "Getting a home draw in the play-offs would be a huge advantage and that's what we're going for.

"To finish top is the first thing ä From back page on our minds. But if we can't do that, the job is to make sure we get into the top two.

"Over two legs I think we are pretty strong.

"We're definitely good enough to get in the top two, which would give us a great chance to take the semi and that final."

Fixtures, tonight, Elite League: Coventry v Peterborough, Wolves v Ipswich.

Belle Vue: 80th Anniversary PCM Trophy.