GMB to sponsor third U21 test at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon's staging of the third and final Under 21 test match between Great Britain and Sweden on Wednesday 9th July has been given further prestige with the news that the GMB, the modern union, have agreed to sponsor the meeting.

The GMB are the much valued main team sponsors of Wimbledon Speedway, and their move into the International arena is a massive boost to the prestige and commercial impact of the upcoming test series.

The British line-up at Plough Lane is set to contain home favourite Danny Giffard, who has become the man to beat around the Plough Lane cicuit in 2003, but recently sustained ankle ligament damage and was originally thought to be forced to watch the meeting from the sidelines. Giffard however, vowed to return to the saddle in time for the test series, and the young GMB Dons rider makes his comeback for Wimbledon this coming Wednesday night against Peterborough.

Great Britain team boss Graham Reeve has selected the strongest available squad for the test series, with the line-up at Wimbledon Stadium set to contain 5 riders who have made it to the forthcoming World Junior Final.

British Grand Prix wildcards David Howe and Simon Stead lead the way for the Brits while both Chris Harris and Oliver Allen are the number 1 riders for their Premier League sides, Trelawny and Swindon respectively. Allen's Swindon teammate Jamie Smith and teenage sensation Edward Kennett complete the line-up.

With the meeting covered live on Sky television, the management of Wimbledon Speedway are delighted that big time speedway is set to return to SW17 after a near 20 year absence.

Chairman of Wimbledon Speedway PLC, Ian Perkin commented "The staging of the third and deciding test match is a tremendous honour for everyone at Plough Lane and Wimbledon Stadium deserves the chance to hold big time speedway again." The addition of GMB as meeting sponsor is a further indication of the attractiveness of the event, and we promise to giving all supporters an enjoyable night's entertainment."

Derek Hunter, Regional Secretary of the GMB said 'What a fantastic event to be staged in SW17. With the energy from the crowds of die-hard fans we all know this promises to be a truly fantastic night in the international speedway calendar. No doubt other speedway teams from across the country will be looking on in envy. I know this will be one of the best nights to remember in 2003. Good luck to all involved."