BELLE VUE’S Jaimon Lidsey believes he is “mentally strong” enough for another big push up the world standings.
The ATPI Aces star was one of the most improved riders in the Premiership in 2023 as the Manchester club narrowly missed out on the Grand Final.
Now Lidsey, 24, is aiming high again this season for all his league teams and to make the Australian Speedway of Nations squad.
He said: “I concentrate on my own goals and what I should be doing.
“It’s not aggressive in any way. It’s probably more about being mentally strong in the big moment.
“We were so close at Belle Vue to making it to the final. We had a great team.
“I put two points on my average which was a bit of a goal of mine.
“I came back to the UK last year better prepared mentally and equipment-wise.
“I was previously in England in 2019 which was a pretty tough year for me. The first season probably always is I guess.
“Then Covid came along, I missed a few years. I felt during that time I grew in myself in a big way with so much experience.
“So I felt more prepared returning to Belle Vue this time round and that showed in my results.
“I came and did my job. I had the bike sorted at Belle Vue. I could go there every week.
“Mark Lemon didn’t like my average going up too high, he’s about the only one who felt that way!
“I came to a point last year that I was wanting a move. It was just a case of being somewhere too long and perhaps you get a bit stale.
“You always want to move on to make yourself better. That was a decision I made and I’m really looking forward to a new chapter at Grudziadz.
“Everything seems great so far. I’m looking forward to it and we’ll see what it brings.”
Another huge target for Lidsey is breaking into the Australian Speedway of Nations side as they bid to take the crown again on his home track at the National Speedway Stadium.
He concluded: “It could be a tough call for Lemo. If Brady and I are going really well at Belle Vue, there’s no reason why both of us can’t be racing in the World Cup.
“But there are so many good Aussies now with Jack, Frickey and Doyley. There’s only three team places for the Speedway of Nations. It’s going to be a big call for Lemo.
“I won’t be over-thinking it. I’ll just be going about my racing and hopefully I’ll be good enough throughout the year to get an automatic pick.
“I’d love to be part of it because being in the World Cup squad last year was amazing.
“If I’m focused on the leagues and getting results then getting an Aussie call-up will look after itself.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.