SWINDON’S Ben Reade was disappointed not to be selected by his hometown club in Tuesday’s draft but is eagerly anticipating the start of his Elite League career with Belle Vue.

The 22-year-old former Ridgeway School pupil will ride at the reserve for the Aces in 2014 along with Stefan Nielsen, with the Robins electing to use Steve Worrall and Josh Bates.

Reade, a roof tiler by day, has been a regular spectator at Blunsdon since he was three-years-old and would have loved to have pulled on a Robins race suit next season, but is grateful to have been given a shot by the Kirkmanshulme Lane club.

“I found out I had been drafted at about 4.30pm when I finished work and I got in the van and saw on Twitter I was in the Belle Vue team,” he said. “It’s a big step up, I know that, but I want to take it with both hands and give it everything I’ve got.

“I’ve been going up to watch the Robins since I was three or four, and I did some second half rides up there too, and it would have been great to have been drafted there.

“These things happen and I can’t wait to ride at Belle Vue next season, and it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Reade will now slip into an Aces side including six-time British champion Scott Nicholls as well as Craig Cook and Richie Worrall, with Matej Zagar joining yesterday, and the Swindonian can’t wait to learn from the experienced riders.

“It’s going to be great and there’s so much I can learn from guys like that,” he said. “Just being in the pits with them and listening to their advice will be great.

“I did an individual meeting at Eastbourne at the end of the season and managed to beat Simon Gustafsson round there, so I know I can do it, and I hope I am able to compete well in the league next season.”