Praise for Loram.

Peterborough have sung the praises of former world champion Mark Loram for his efforts in 2001, but accept it is highly unlikely he will return to the club next season.

Loram had a disappointing year as he lost his world title and only just scraped into the top 10 of the Grand Prix series.

His form for Peterborough never hit the heights he had hoped for but co-promoter Ian Jarvis had nothing but praise for him.

He said: "Mark was an absolute pleasure to deal with and we have nothing but admiration for the guy. People forget that at the start of the season, when Ryan (Sullivan) was struggling a bit, it was Mark who held us together with some superb performances.

"But after he had a disastrous first Grand Prix of the season in Berlin he wasn't the same rider for us. The whole Grand Prix thing seemed to do his head in".

"After he booked his place in next year's championship, he started riding really well. He played a huge role in our Knockout Cup success and was a big reason why we went so close in the Craven Shield."

With only one Grand Prix rider per team next season and Peterborough having already re-signed skipper Ryan Sullivan, Loram's days as a Panther look numbered. But Jarvis does not yet accept that just yet, saying.

"Some of the Grand Prix stars might find themselves in a difficult position and some could even pull out of the series in favour of regular Elite League racing.

It might not be financially viable for some riders in the GPs so we'll just have to see. We'd love to have Mark back but obviously it looks unlikely."