7:00am Saturday 4th October 2008
By Phil Chard
CHRIS Holder hopes the globally renowned video sharing website YouTube will help him win the World Under-21 title.
The Pirates star, who bids for glory at Pardubice today (1pm), has never ridden on the Czech Republic track.
But he revealed to the Echo: "I've watched racing there on YouTube and the track looks great.
"That's the closest I've got to the place - seeing it on my computer.
"It's a pretty big track, and from what I've seen on YouTube, it's good.
"To be honest, the size of the track is not a big deal. Having a bike that's going to be fast enough is.
"We just have to pick the right one and get it working. If we can do that, then we'll see what happens."
Holder, who scorched to 14 points and second place in last year's final at Ostrow, Poland, will also turn to Australia team manager and Pirates legend Craig Boyce for advice on how to go one better.
The Poole Castle Cover rider said: "I'm pretty sure Boycey has ridden at Pardubice a couple of times.
"He also has plenty of experience in big World Championship and World Cup meetings.
"Boycey is an engine tuner as well and it'll be good having him there with me and Troy (Batchelor)."
Holder was only beaten by Emil Sajfutdinov in heat two at Ostrow 12 months ago before the Russian went on to take the title with a silky 15-point maximum.
Sajfutdinov is aiming to become the first rider to successfully defend the title since the competition's inception in 1977.
Asked if meeting the Russian later on in today's meeting would help him, Holder said: "Probably not because he's not the only rider in the final.
"There are a lot of other riders going well.
"A lot depends on the gates you draw, and if you're going to be world champion you have to beat everyone.
"Hopefully I can make some good starts and get on with it."
Looking back on last year, Holder said: "It's always good to get on the rostrum in any final, but to be one step away from the top is very frustrating.
"This year is my last chance because it's my final one in the juniors, so I really want to do all I can to make sure I finish on top."
Jason Crump (1995) and Leigh Adams (1992) were the last Aussies to claim the crown.
Holder said: "Of course I'd like to be the next one. Hopefully I can do that and build on it for the rest of my career."
World Under-21 Final line-up: 1 F Sitera, 2 G Zengota, 3 E Sajfutdinov, 4 T Batchelor, 5 P Hougaard, 6 L Bridger, 7 M Vaculik, 8 L Lindgren, 9 J Pavlic, 10 M Kus, 11 A Karpov, 12 C Holder, 13 M Risager, 14 T Woffinden, 15 K Kononov, 16 W Lawson. Reserves: 17 S Gustafsson, 18 K Brzozowksi.
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