Oxford Cheetahs co-promoter Aaron Lanney expressed his delight at the return of Ales Dryml to speedway action at a sunny Oxford Stadium yesterday.

He said: "Just eight months ago I was standing in the middle here in tears as Ales was lying unconscious, but today those tears turned in cheers as I was delighted with his return to Sandy Lane.

Dryml said: "My family wanted me to give up the sport. I had spent the winter on vacation and going into the in the mountains, but I became bored.

"My father, Ales snr, was also a top speedway rider and he knew how I felt, so here I am back again. I have never been fitter and am looking forward to a good season for Oxford."

The Cheetahs squad with the exception of Adrian Miedjinksi were put through their paces after a press and photo call session, and they all looked pretty sharp, especially top Polish ace Pepe Protasiewicz and skipper Jesper B Jensen.

The opening match pits Cheetahs against Belle Vue in a challenge at the Stadium on Friday.