ADAM ELLIS says it was a “no-brainer” to return to ROWE Motor Oil Premiership big-hitters Ipswich.
The former British Champion has been announced as the latest signing for the Witches in 2025, his fourth stint in Suffolk.
Ellis, 28, admits that the family spirit at Foxhall is an element he thrives in.
He said: “I’m happy to be back and wanted to be from the beginning and I’m looking forward to it.
“Not much has changed since when I first was with the club, Chris (Louis) and Ritchie (Hawkins) have both got a bit older though!
"It’s like a family here, everyone gets on really well which makes it nice coming to Ipswich every week. For me, it was a no-brainer, and I think that was the same for many of the other guys in the team next year.
“We get on well so hopefully we can hit the ground running early on, avoid injuries and finish what we started last year.”
The Witches’ title challenge was wrecked by injuries in 2024 and Ellis is hoping for a clear run next season.
He added: “It was up and down in 2024 but if we had kept the same one to seven as we had at the start of the year until the end, I can’t see how anyone would have beaten us.
“Next year is going to be pretty much the same again so hopefully we can all stay injury free and have a good year.
“I think everyone hates the track apart from me, so that helps!
“It is a track I like, and I have always enjoyed coming here. I enjoyed every aspect of last year so hopefully it will be the same again next year.”
The 2021 British champion rode with team manager Ritchie Hawkins at Ipswich at the start of his career with the pair now enjoying a new relationship.
He added: “We don’t crash as much as when I first met him!
“Everyone knows what Ritchie is like, he does not beat around the bush, if he is happy with you, he will tell you, if he is not happy with you, he will tell you. He is easy to work for.”
Ellis is targeting league success next season with Ipswich but is looking forward to some well-earned rest before preparations begin for the new season.
He continued: “It is a team sport, you have your own goals personally, but the main goal is to try and win the league.
“We have got the team to do that, other teams will be strong as well so it won’t be easy but if we stay fit then we should be up there.
“I will have a few weeks of rest before getting stuff ready for next year.
“There is a lot that goes into it, and it comes around quicker than you expect, it takes a lot of organising and planning, so it is good to put your feet up before it all kicks off again.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.