Jeleniewski steals the limelight (From Bournemouth Echo)

Jeleniewski steals the limelight

7:00am Thursday 18th September 2008 in

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DANIEL Jeleniewski caught the eye by beating home track specialist Chris Holder on his debut appearance at Poole last night.

Then the 25-year-old Pole, who scorched his way to a scintillating nine points, modestly said: "I was just doing my job."

Jeleniewski, who rode for Wroclaw in his home country's ExtraLeague this year, shone in a meeting partly arranged to look at prospective riders for Castle Cover Pirates' 2009 line-up.

The likes of Jason Doyle (10 points), Troy Batchelor (10) and Holder (10) all outscored Jeleniewski, and Tai Woffinden, Mark Lemon and Karol Zabik all won races.

But it was Jeleniewski who made the biggest impression on Pirates' fans on a night when the team scoreline didn't really matter.

What did matter was the individual performances of riders who Poole chief Matt Ford had specifically invited to take part.

And the race that stood out was Jeleniewski's terrific victory over Aussie ace Holder and young Brit Woffinden in the second re-run of heat eight.

Jeleniewski, formerly of Lublin and who has also ridden for Lejonen in the Swedish top-flight this season, had been trailing in third when Claus Vissing fell on his own on the third turn second time round, forcing referee Ronnie Allan to order another start.

The Pole, who had got a fighting third place in race one behind Oliver Allen and Shane Parker, grabbed his new chance with both hands.

Jeleniewski produced an electric gate to jump out in front, then held off the two-pronged four-lap challenge of Woffinden and Holder to flash past the chequered flag well in front of the Aussie.

It was much more than just a regulation tapes to flag victory, though, as Holder really tried to drive hard under Jeleniewski on the last lap, only for the composed Pole not to stray off the kerb and claim a big scalp.

Jeleniewski then held off Troy Batchelor's strong inside dive on the second turn to win race 10, before finishing just half a bike's length behind heat 15 winner Doyle after passing Davey Watt and Freddie Eriksson.

The Pole, speaking through an English interpreter, said: "For my first time here, I'm really happy I scored nine, considering it's my first time in England, not just Poole.

"The track was good. A bit short and slick, but it was okay, although I like more grip.

"My first start wasn't good, but I made a few changes to my bike. Then it was pretty good.

"I won two races and was a very close second in my last one, so I'm pleased."

Playing down his triumph over Holder, Jeleniewski added: "I didn't think much about who is next to me on the start line, whether it is Holder or someone else.

"I just thought about my start and then rode my race. I wasn't thinking about the other riders. I was concentrating on myself not making any mistakes so I could win the race.

"Poole's track is shorter and smaller than the ones I'm used to in Poland, but I'll think seriously over the winter about whether I want to ride in England next year.

"I'm keeping my options open, but I'll never say no to Poole. I like the track and liked being here tonight.

"The team and promotion gave me a very good reception and I really enjoyed myself."

Watt, who had been out with an injury to his right foot, returned to score seven and declared himself fit for Poole's Knockout Cup, semi-final replay, second leg at Coventry tonight.

Pirates, who take a 20-point lead to Brandon, are at full strength for a meeting that follows on after Bees' league clash against Wolves which starts at 7.30pm.

Coventry: 1 Hans Andersen, 2 Rider replacement for Simon Stead, 3 Chris Harris, 4 Billy Janniro, 5 Oliver Allen, 6 (guest) Ryan Fisher, 7 Filip Sitera.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Magnus Zetterstrom, 3 Bjarne Pedersen, 4 Adam Skornicki, 5 Davey Watt, 6 Freddie Eriksson, 7 Daniel Davidsson.