Hampel wins world U-21 title, Harris second.

Poland's Jarek Hampel is the new world under-21 champion after winning the title in convincing, but contravercial, circumstances in Kumla, Sweden on Saturday. Hampel was the best rider on the day and raced to wins in his first four races - and would have gone through the card but for a questionable tactic on his final race.

In that race, Hampel had the field at his mercy with a convincing lead but slowed dramatically in the closing yards which allowed his contryman Rafal Szombierski to come though to take the win which gave him a run-off for third place in which he duly beat home rider Fredrik Lindgren.

Runner-up was Briton Chris Harris with thirteen points. His Trelawny team-mate Matej Zagar also did well, finishing fifth on 10 points. The crucial race as far as Harris was concerned came in his second outing in heat six when he was up against Hampel.

The Pole won that race and the only other rider to beat Harris was Newport's Danish star Niels-Kristian Iversen in heat 17. Harris won his three other races to finish on 13 points.

David Howe, returning from a broken leg, found the pace a little too hot for his comeback and he finished well down the field as did his fellow Brits Jamie Smith and Oliver Allen.

Ryan Fisher, who rides for Coventry in the Elite League, had been fancied as a strong contender and began well enough with two second places before suffering consecutive mechanical misfortunes which quickly ended his chances.

World Under-21 championship, Kumla, Sweden:

Scorers:

Jarek Hampel 14
Chris Harris 13
Rafal Szomberski 11
Fredrik Lindgren 11
Matej Zagar 10
Niels-Kristian Iversen 9
Rafal Kurmanski 8
Kenneth Bjerre 7
David Howe 6
Peter Ljung 6
Jonas Davidsson 6
Robert Miskowiak 6
Jamie Smith 5
Ryan Fisher 4
Martin Smolinski 2
Oliver Allen 2