KING’S Lynn go up against two of the World’s top three riders when they host Belle Vue at the Adrian Flux Arena on Monday (7.30pm).

It’s the start of a big week for the PSH Environmental Stars, who make the trip to Leicester on Thursday before taking on Ipswich in local derby action next Monday.

First up are the Aces, who boast a top spearhead of captain Brady Kurtz, runner-up in the World title race last season, along with Dan Bewley who finished third overall.

Those two riders alone make the Manchester side hugely attractive opponents, but for the Stars all eyes will be on making it two wins out of two at home in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.

They got the better of a powerful Sheffield side a fortnight ago, and although they slipped to defeat at Ipswich on Bank Holiday Monday, confidence in the team was boosted by the KO Cup away win at Northampton last Thursday.

Stars No.1 Max Fricke, skipper Chris Harris and Ben Cook are all former Belle Vue riders, with the Aces having been regular play-off qualifiers in recent seasons and having clinched the title in 2022 and 2024.

Last season they were somewhat short of away wins compared to their top four rivals, but one of them did come at the Adrian Flux Arena in the early stages of the campaign when Lynn were hit by an unprecedented series of mechanical issues.

Harris said: “I think it’s been going alright so far this season. There are places where everyone can improve, but it’s still the start of the season.

“Winning our home matches is vital and we need everyone to be chipping in. We know it’s going to be tough and I think every team this year is going to be hard, but we’ll keep battling away and hopefully get the win.”

The Stars will be without Jody Scott following his involvement in the Heat 2 crash at Northampton which forced his withdrawal from the meeting.

Former Belle Vue rider, and current Young Stars man Jake Mulford, who won the FIM Long Track U23 World Cup at Dutch venue Roden on Saturday, comes in to guest at No.7.

Meanwhile the Aces are without Danish racer Peter Kildemand who is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone, and they bring in Northampton’s Kye Thomson as a guest.

In-form Thomson scored a remarkable 18+1 for the Foxes against Lynn last Thursday, although on that occasion he was at reserve whereas Monday night sees him line up in the main body of the side for the visitors.

KING’S LYNN: Max Fricke, Paco Castagna, Chris Harris, Ben Cook, Jan Kvech, Cooper Rushen, Jake Mulford.
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Kye Thomson, Zach Cook, Dan Bewley, Tate Zischke, Will Cairns.