WORLD champion Ben Mould has signed for Horspath Hammers ahead of the 2020 season.

The Welsh rider joins from Poole Comets, fresh from winning the global title in Poland last August.

Club stalwart Lukas Nowacki said: “Ben is the missing link the team has been looking for to challenge for the top honours.”

Ex-British champion Gavin Wheeler is another new addition, but boss Zac Payne has retained the majority of his 2019 squad as Hammers begin their Crossover and South West league campaigns after Easter.

The young quartet of Will Jeffery, Jack Ellis, George Horsley and Owen Johnson have all been retained, while club legend Mark Boaler could return.

Chairman Geoff Gamage begins his 51st consecutive season involved with the team.

Gamage initially joined as a rider and went on to manage Hammers.

A full fixture list is set to be confirmed next month.