OXFORD have made the shock early season move to swoop for Erik Riss to replace Nicolai Klindt.
The German will make his debut in Spires’ ROWE Motor Oil Premiership trip to Ipswich on Thursday evening.
Riss, 28, had previously been left without a UK club for 2024 having started with Edinburgh in 2015 with other stints at King’s Lynn and Redcar with honours including the 2019 Championship Riders’ title, the 2022 Premiership Pairs and 2023 Premiership KO Cup.
Team manager Peter Schroeck has known the Riss family for over three decades.
He said: “Erik is really keen and has worked awfully hard on his fitness during the winter so it goes without saying we’re happy to have him onboard.
“He’s been a top rider at Championship level for many years and has established himself in the Premiership too.
“He has a great track record so we’re looking forward to having Erik in our corner on Thursday at Ipswich which is a track he knows well.
“I’d also like to thank Nicolai for his service to the club this year. It’s always tough to make changes, but we’re looking to the future and Nicolai leaves with our very best wishes.”
Following Thursday’s trip to Ipswich, Spires’ new signing Riss will make his home debut on Thursday, April 25, when the club hosts King’s Lynn Stars in the Premiership.
Riss said: “I’m pleased to sign for Oxford which is a club I’ve enjoyed visiting since the track reopened in 2022.
“There’s always a real buzz at Sandy Lane so be in the home end of the pits will be special and I’m looking forward to meeting our supporters when King’s Lynn visit next week.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.