JOSH PICKERING admits that he will thrive on having the extra pressure of being No.1 at Edinburgh.
The battling Australian takes centre stage with the Monarchs at their press and practice launch at Armadale today (Friday).
Picko, 26, will lead the charge for the first time after Sam Masters’ big winter move to Oxford when they start their season against Glasgow in the BSN Series next week.
But that doesn’t worry the gritty Wizard of Oz star. He said: “This year at Edinburgh without Sam I come in at No.1. For me I want to stay in that position all year. I want to be at my best possible performance.
“I do go my best when I have pressure on myself. The only pressure I do feel is from myself.
“I like to be that rider you need in your team that has to perform. It makes me stay sharp with a good mindset. I like to be the rider the opposition are worried about.”
Pickering is regarded as one of the most exciting riders in British speedway, renowned for his overtaking. But he now believes he can live with anyone out of the starts.
He added: “I know I’m an exciting rider. But it does come down to which gate you come off and what opposition you are up against.
“Nowadays my gating is a lot better than it was when I first came over many years ago. I can trap with the best of them.
“When I get to the line I’m always full of confidence. I can win from any gate.
“But if I have to come from behind and pass like I have done previously, we’ll cross that bridge when I get to it!”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.