MARK Loram has saluted the men who made his farewell event at Poole so spectacular with their cut-throat competitive riding.

Benefit meetings are usually quite tame affairs, with riders taking it relatively easy in a bid to minimise the risk of injury or because they treat the occasion as a bit of fun.

That was definitely not the case on Wednesday when a star-studded 16-man field put on a brilliant showcase of spectacular racing to honour Loramski.

The ex-Pirates rider, who has retired from the saddle after more than 20 years, said: “I only saw bits and pieces of the racing because I was sorting stuff out and talking to people.

“But I saw riders go around the outside a few times and thought ‘steady on boys’.

I appreciate they wanted to put a real show on for me and the fans, but I didn’t expect them to race so hard.

“It’s a difficult one. No-one is keen to get hurt, so the way they rode was a big surprise. The boys really did me proud.”

Loram, who starred for Poole in 1999 and 2000 and was the first man to win the world title while a Pirate, added: “I wish I could have had more time with everyone, but I enjoyed the whole night.

“I’ve always treated the fans and sponsors like riders and can only say from the bottom of my heart a big thank you to everyone for turning up and supporting me.

“I felt great on the bike when I did my farewell laps. I just wish I could have done a few more.

“I was tempted but didn’t want to crash. I’m gutted my racing career is over, but it’s something that had to be done.

“It’s just an inevitable thing I can’t do anything about.

“I had a great career and to win the world title blew me away.”

Pirates stars Davey Watt and Chris Holder both pulled off some no-holds-barred explosive passing moves, as did winner Fredrik Lindgren and fellow finalist Jason Crump among others.

The only blemish was Adam Skornicki’s start permission being harshly denied by the PZM, Polish speedway’s governing body.