Crump quits Elite League

Crump: Wants 3rd title

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Jason Crump has stunned British speedway by announcing he will not be riding in the Sky Sports Elite League next season.

The Australian ace has told his club side Belle Vue Aces that he will only be riding league speedway in Poland and Sweden, in order to aid his bid for a third world title.

Crump finished second in this year's Grand Prix series and he thinks missing the British calendar in 2009 will benefit him.

Crump has not missed a British domestic season since his debut in 1992.

"I'm really sorry that I have had to do this because I have been happy at Belle Vue and get on very well with the promoters. It was very difficult for me to tell them of my decision," Crump told the club's website.

"It's not a question of money and it wouldn't have made any difference if they had offered me an increase.

"The simple truth is that I am doing too many meetings and the time has come to cut back. I can't go on like this or I'll burn myself out and that wouldn't be any good for anyone.

"I'm riding in three leagues as well as the Grand Prix and something had to give. It's hard riding in England because I have Belle Vue on a Monday and meetings at other tracks during the week.

"Poland ride on Sunday and Sweden on a Tuesday so I can organise myself a more structured life by giving up riding in Britain. It's not just because of the number of meetings but because we keep riding against the same sides all the time.

"I have been thinking about this for some time. It was not a spur of the moment decision and there was no way I was going to change my mind when I spoke to Belle Vue about it.

"I am desperate to win the world title again next year. I'm 33 now and feel this will help me to have a more regular routine which I need at this stage of my career.

"I could have waited before announcing my decision but I felt it was only fair to tell them now to give them as much time as possible to find a new No 1 and build their team for next season.

"I've tried to explain this to Belle Vue and I've apologised. I hope they realise why I've taken this decision and don't feel I'm letting them down.

"I feel I've been good for British speedway and I've always been loyal to my clubs. I've enjoyed my time in England and I know I could get to next year and discover this is the worst thing I've ever done. But this is what I have to do at this time."

Disappointment

Belle Vue boss David Gordon was understandably left disappointed by Crump's decision.

"It doesn't need saying that we are very disappointed, even though we understand why Jason has made this decision and what he's trying to do," he said.

"He's the ultimate professional and he's worked out that this will extend his career so there was no point in trying to get him to change his mind.

"I know from my experience that what you have to do in situations like this is look for any positives you can use to your advantage.

"At the first appearance there aren't many positives to be gleaned when a rider like Jason Crump leaves you and this is the second time it's happened to us.

"But Belle Vue have lost Jason before and survived. This will enable us to put a new complexion on our team next season because this gives us the opportunity to assemble a more balanced side and to challenge for honours.

"The points limit on team strength is expected to be around 40 next season and it is very difficult to build a balanced side when one rider takes up more than ten of those points.

"That only leaves around 30 for your other six riders but now we will be able to go for a team with more strength in depth.

"Whatever happens, the world doesn't end here for Belle Vue. There are bigger challenges facing speedway in the current financial situation and the coming winter months will prove to be both interesting and challenging for everyone involved in the sport."

How much of a miss will Crump be to British speedway - please send us your thoughts below.