SWINDON will launch the defence of their Elite League Speedway title live on Sky Sports.

The Robins will travel to Lakeside on Monday, March 25, for their first Elite League meeting of the season.

It will be the first time the club’s new away race suits will be seen on Sky and the meeting represents a tough test for Alun Rossiter’s men.

Their first home league meeting will also be screened live by Sky on Thursday, April 4, against King’s Lynn.

The opening meeting of the season at Blunsdon is the Bob Kilby Memorial programme on Thursday, March 14.

Club co-owner Gary Patchett said: “This is an exciting way to start our season and we’re delighted to be appearing on Sky as champions.

“The March 25 fixture for TV had to be between two clubs without any GP riders because of the New Zealand Grand Prix that weekend – and both Lakeside and ourselves fall into that category.”

The Robins are continuing to negotiate with Peterborough about bringing back both Hans Andersen and Troy Batchelor, two key members of Swindon’s championship-winning sqaud when on loan last year.

Both riders remain Panthers’ assets.