Swindon speedway signs on two more stars for next season (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Swindon speedway signs on two more stars for next season

TWO more speedway stars, one an old favourite and the other a new boy, will be wearing the Swindon colours come the start of the next season.

A regular crowd-pleaser at Blunsdon, Olly Allen will be back for his seventh season with the Robins while all-action racer Sebastian Tresarrieu has agreed terms to join the team for their 2005 campaign.

Allen, who is fit again after suffering several knocks in 2004, initially began riding for Peterborough Thundercats in the 1997 Amateur League, helping them to win the League Championship with an outstanding 8.74 average.

The following year, he started the season at Mildenhall in the Conference League, prior to appearing for Norfolk Braves.

He also made his Premier League debut for Peterborough as well as a enjoying a handful of outings with Arena-Essex.

Moving on to Swindon in 1999, Allen made his Robins' debut versus Reading in the Thames Valley Trophy on March 18 and was to remain ever-present throughout the campaign, posting a final league average of 5.87.

Season 2000 was one to savour for Robins' fans and riders alike with the Norwich-born racer increasing his league average to 6.57 as well as playing a full part in the Knockout Cup and Young Shield double success.

The steady improvement continued in 2001 and, despite a nasty hand injury, he still finished the year on top of Swindon's league averages with 8.30.

Frenchman Tresarrieu, who hails from Cenon, celebrates his 24th birthday on January 10 and will appear for the Pebley Beach Robins on a full-time basis.

Delighted with his latest acquisition, Swindon promoter Alun Rossiter said: "I am impressed with Sebastian's attitude. He was keen to join us and the time is right for his move into the Elite League.

"There were a few concerns over the average age of the team last season and we are going for a more youthful side in 2005.

"Sebastian fits in well with that policy and is highly rated by a number of respected people within the sport.

"Obviously, it is a big step up, but I am confident he will quickly get o grips with the Blunsdon circuit."

Tresarrieu first appeared on the domestic scene for the Isle of Wight in 2001, ironically making his debut against Swindon in a Premier Trophy fixture at Smallbrook Stadium on May 7.

It was an impressive start, too, since he went on to net 6+2 points in spectacular fashion.

He became a real crowd-pleaser with the Islanders in that first year and, despite suffering a broken foot at Workington, he appeared in 14 league matches and scored 82 points for a healthy 5.91 average.

Remaining with the Isle of Wight in 2002 and 2003, the Frenchman posted almost identical league averages of 6.61 and 6.60 respectively.