THE elite of European cycle speedway takes to the Harbourside Park circuit on Sunday when Poole stage the annual Laurels Championship - one of the most prestigious meetings on the domestic calendar.

Racing gets underway at noon with the top junior riders doing battle for the Dave Lanning Junior Laurels, which sees Oxford’s Will Jeffries try to retain the silverware he won 12 months ago.

Jeffries will be racing against a top-class field, which includes Poole’s own Fraser Garnett and Nathan Goulden, who will be looking to lift the trophy in front of their home fans.

The women’s event will find Lauren Hookway defending the title she won in 2018.

But the Exeter rider will face a strong challenge from a competitive line-up which includes five representatives from the Poole club.

Jasmine Oddie, Maddie Saunders, Sandra Tomborska and Anna Tuttle will be looking to make a big impression but the biggest challenge is expected to come from Maciej Schmidt - the 2018 ICSF world under-16 champion.

Schmidt is currently showing some great form in league racing and must start as one of the favourites.

The climax of the afternoon will see 16 of the top international stars battle it out on track for the Ade Gale Senior Laurels.

Racing is expected to be fast with Poland’s Lukasz Nowacki looking to retain the title he won last year.

Current Team GB captain Paul Heard heads the challengers, which also include former British champion Zac Payne and current English internationals Chris Timms and Adam Watson.

Welsh champion Mark Carmichael is also included.

Poole’s hopes rest with club captain Wil Bristowe and Ben Mould, who are both enjoying their best form and their two home-based Polish internationals Mattie Ganczarek and Greg Gluchowski.

Ganczarek will be making a racing comeback from a recent injury, while former Laurels champion Gluchowski is aiming to add another title to his collection.