CAUGHT IN CONVERSATION

SHANE HAZELDENE

We caught up with the 17 year old Hackney prospect directly after the Hawks’ home squeeker against Belle Vue. Hazelden had just completed a full quota of seven rides, riding undefeated in his five completed outings.

Fair to say that neither side left anything in the jar in this one? “Yes, it was a real good old-fashioned fight to get the win. Every heat advantage was so important, and everyone had to ride out of their skins. The Colts made the early start (leading 11-6 after three races), but then we began coming together as a team. Overall, there was a great team spirit and we gave a good team performance.

“I really enjoyed my rides, although I felt I let the side down with mistakes in a couple of my heats. In my fourth ride, I was in second place behind Adam McKinna and tried to go around the outside, and the door got shut. It was either “take him out” or “fall off”, and unfortunately it had to be the second option. I was a bit unlucky with my second exclusion, though. As we hit the corner, I straightened up and lifted, which took me into the adverse camber, and I had to bale off the bike. But I got three straight wins to start off with, popped in another in my fifth and ended the meeting with a paid win with a bent bike – my handlebar was a bit lopsided and didn’t feel too good on the track, but you have to make do with what you’ve got.

“I really want to step up another level this year. We’ve focused on what I did wrong in 2010. Last year, my gating was a big problem, so I’ve invested in two brand new clutches, which have cost about a grand, so at the moment it’s ridiculous money that I owe my dad, although I’ll pay him off eventually. Any additional sponsorship would be very gratefully received. It’s so important, no matter what the value. As things stand, I’d be happy to break even this year, but to do that I’ve got to ride out of my skin.

“I’m also focusing on the larger tracks. I’m normally quite good on the smaller circuits, but I had a guest spot at the Isle of Wight this last week, which is such a big track, and scored paid 6 from four starts on what was only my second visit there. The last time I was there, I scored 5 from seven starts, but I really learned so much from this experience. If I’m quick on small tracks and can gate well, and can get good on big tracks, there’s nothing to stop me carry on pushing forward. Hopefully, I can get a Premier League spot as soon as possible. That’s what I’m really after.”