EDINBURGH have been rocked by the sudden departure of heat leader Oskar Polis.
The Pole withdrew from Friday night’s home defeat by Poole after a wild opening ride which he won despite bouncing off the fence.
In the opening lap and a second outing when he pulled off the track despite lying second to team-mate Victor Palovaara.
Polis then informed the Monarchs’ management that he would be riding in Germany on Saturday rather than making the trip to Plymouth with his Monarchs’ team-mates.
A stunned Monarchs’ promoter John Campbell said “Oskar told us he is walking out on us. He has chosen to ride in Germany rather than come with the team to Plymouth.
“He didn’t give himself a chance. He was clearly capable of doing well in the UK but had it in his head that he couldn’t.
“He's probably the first rider I’ve come across that’s pulled out of a meeting because he didn’t fancy it. Leading a race then giving up.”
Polis, 28, made a good start to his British career scoring nine points in each of the home and away legs of the Scottish Cup against Glasgow and an outstanding dozen at Berwick in the BSN Series.
However, he had previously expressed doubts about his capability to ride Armadale and his availability for various fixtures had been a subject of discussion between rider and club.
Monarchs have been granted a 28-day facility to use a guest or rider-replacement whilst seeking a full-time replacement and were due to use r/r at The Coliseum.
Words by George Dodds.
Image by Taylor Lanning.