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GOOD YEAR: Chris Holder

CHRIS Holder "has enjoyed an exceptional year" despite not winning the world under-21 title in Pardubice.

That's the view of Pirates chief Matt Ford, who had tipped the Aussie as a future senior world champion when he signed him as a Poole asset two years ago.

Holder came second behind Emil Sajfutdinov in the junior showdown in the Czech Republic on Saturday duplicating his runners-up spot behind the Russian in Ostrow, Poland, last year.

Ford said: "I'm disappointed for Chris and I don't think he'll want to talk too much about it at the moment.

"He's had such a busy period helping his Swedish club win the title, riding in the world under-21, then for his Polish side in their play-offs yesterday and for Poole tonight.

"Chris has had an exceptional year though, despite not winning in Pardubice.

"I'm sure he wants to take stock about how well he's done this year, not look at it as a failure.

"He has enjoyed an absolutely exceptional season in 2008, his first in the British Elite for Poole."

Holder was on course for victory after winning his opening three rides in Pardubice, while Sajfutdinov, the first rider to lift the crown in successive years, had already dropped a point to Troy Batchelor at that stage.

But the Poole rider was a surprise second behind Slovakian Martin Vaculik in heat 13 before finishing third adrift of Sajfutdinov and Lewis Bridger in a crucial race 19.

Holder then passed Jurica Pavlic on the last bend to win the race-off for second place after both had tied on 12 points, two behind the Russian.

The Aussie, who struggled to get out of gate two in his last two qualifying races, said: "I'm disappointed I didn't pull it off, but Emil is very quick.

"I think he only weighs about 20 kilos and has good equipment, and I always seem to be on the outside of him when we meet in these big meetings."

Holder added: "I didn't quite get the set-up right either, and even when I was winning races I didn't feel fast enough.

"Obviously, the individual dream is over with the under-21 title, but it's not the end of the world.

"I've had two second places and not many people can say they've achieved that."

Ford said: "I just wish Chris had claimed the title because he's just a very nice person and an exceptional speedway rider.

"I guess it wasn't too be. He came second twice, but let's hope he'll go one better in the World Championship proper and go on to win it a couple of times.

"Emil, Chris and Jurica are clearly three riders who are going to do well for a long time, and they are the type of people we need in the sport.

"Although I'm sure there will be other riders around their age who will have something big to say in future World Championships as well."

8:11pm Sunday 5th October 2008

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