Jirout to become a Rebel on ice.

Mario Jirout is due to officially sign his contract to ride for Somerset Rebels in 2002 at the indoor ice international at Telford next month.

World Indoor Ice co-promoter Grahan Drury said "We are arranging for Mario to sign his loan deal on the centre green at Telford. Mario is a huge star on the ice".

"He won the British Championship at Telford in 1998, was runner-up in '99 and third last winter. He is also the current track record holder".

'He has also been nominated as the most entertaining rider by the media on more than one occasion because he never gives less than 100 per cent and usually manages to get himself involved in some controversy or another".

"He has always been something of a rebel and now it will be official. Somerset are joining the Premier League this summer and Mario is a tremendous coup for them - if he keeps out of trouble".

Other riders recently confirmed as lining up at Telford on 17 February include Workington's Peter Karlsson and Swede Anders Henriksson. They join the already present Grand Prix due Nicki Pedersen and Andy Smith.