Coventry Bees have brought back Joonas Kylmakorpi.
The Finnish rider who was part of the Bees League winning team in 2005, has riden for Eastbourne, Lakeside and Peterborough and comes in to replace Jakub Jamrog.
Bees promoter Mick Horton said to the Bees website: “I phoned Jakub to explain our position, and it was a really tough decision for us.
“It’s very unfortunate for him, but at the end of the day Coventry is a big club and this is business. I have no doubt that Jakub has ability, and I hope to see him back in the UK one day.
“I feel he needs more experience around the British tracks before coming into a team position like ours. I spoke to him and thanked him for the meetings he’s done, but I explained I have to put the club first.
“I’m conscious of the fact that it’s a short season, with only 28 matches, and if we were to lose meetings by the odd few points then suddenly we’d be playing catch-up.
“I feel that the signing of Joonas makes us an unbelievable powerhouse. I’m not just saying that, I think he’s the best rider out there who is available to us.
“He will be flying in to make his debut on Friday, and he’s really looking forward to it. We’re looking forward to having him, and I think he’ll love the track with the way it’s looking now.
“I think we’ll take some stopping now, especially around Brandon. We won at home last Friday, and Leicester are not a bad team at all, so I think with this signing it does send the message out to say we’re not looking to come second.
“We’re looking to go one better this year, and I’m sure the fans will love this team and understand what we’re trying to do. I really hope they’ll come out in force to support the boys, starting against Wolverhampton on Friday.”