WITH the Swindon Robins’ season having come to a conclusion, it is time to turn your attention to who should win our Swindon Advertiser 2018 Robins Rider of the Year award.

It has been a frustrating campaign for Alun Rossiter’s side, who failed in their bid to retain the SGB Premiership title they won last year after missing out on qualification for the end-of-season play-offs.

After a superb start to the campaign, which saw Swindon claim the Charity Shield after a two-legged victory over Belle Vue Aces before going onto triumph in their opening three league fixtures, the Robins struggled for consistency from there.

Wretched away form was the primary source of Swindon’s shortcomings as after winning their first two meetings on the road in April, they failed to add another away from the Abbey Stadium throughout the campaign.

Although solid results around Blunsdon kept them in the upper echelons of the table for an extended period, Rossiter’s troops would eventually finish fifth, nine points off a top-four spot.

Skipper Nick Morris topped the Rider of the Year poll last year and now it is time for supporters to decide who should follow in his footsteps and claim the trophy.

To cast your vote to name the 2018 winner – and be in with a chance of winning a VIP experience for two at a Swindon Robins fixture in 2019 – simply nominate your chosen rider and complete the entry form printed in the editions of the Swindon Advertiser throughout the next couple of weeks and send it to the address specified on the form.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, October 31.

THE CONTENDERS

(Eligible for riders who have competed in more than 10 meetings)

TROY BATCHELOR

A DECENT return to Blunsdon for the Australian after a couple of years away. Racked up a half-century of race wins in Swindon colours and led the team averages as the only man with a figure over eight, form that saw him end the campaign in the number one role.

ADAM ELLIS

ONE of only a couple of riders who seemed to improve on their 2017 form and was solid throughout the campaign. Found himself jumping up and down the order and a return of only 22 non-points finishes from 107 rides is a more than respectable effort.

DAVID BELLEGO

THE FLYING Frenchman did not hit the heights he achieved in helping the Robins claim the Premiership title last year and a dip in form mid-season hindered both him and the team. More fourth-place finishes than anyone else in the top five.

TOBIASZ MUSIELAK

EARNED a full year in the side after an impressive mid-season arrival in 2017 and went well enough again this time around. Only Troy Batchelor bettered the Pole’s 39 race victories and his form around the Abbey was particularly good, with a win ratio of close to one in two.

NICK MORRIS

REWARDED with the club captaincy after a breakout year in 2017 but struggled to recapture that form and his average dropped significantly. Seemed to provide a supporting role in races more often than not when the team needed him to be fighting at the front.

ZACH WAJTKNECHT

A VERY encouraging return to action after ending the previous season on the sidelines through injury. A rare shining light down at reserve for the Robins with some eye-catching rides, even if further injury issues meant he missed a handful of meetings once again.

JACK SMITH

DRAFTED into the team early on in the year after a nasty season-ending injury to Mitchell Davey and found life hard going in the top tier of British speedway. A haul of 14 points from 58 rides in all suggests it was a step up too soon for the 19-year-old.