MARK PLUMMER talks to a Fast-Track Draft star and a Premier League revelation whose season looks to have been cut short by injury in his latest "˜Friday Feature' . . .
LEWIS Blackbird has just completed his morning swim when taking my call. But this is not a rider enjoying the good life during a bit of down time.
Blackbird is battling to recover from a fractured left leg and broken left ankle sustained in an early August crash during a Danish League debut which will live long in the memory for the wrong reasons.
The 27 year-old "“ a late starter in speedway "“ has emerged as a serious talent during 2014. He has been one of the shining lights of the inaugural Fast-Track Draft at Elite League level as well as piling up the points in the Premier League.
And he is refusing to give up hope of returning to the saddle if either of his clubs "“ Eastbourne and Peterborough "“ succeed in the respective battles to secure play-off spots although neither could currently said to be in the driving seat.
Blackbird could certainly be forgiven for feeling bitter and angry after being the innocent victim of a spill caused by a rival rider's attempted overtaking manoeuvre which caused a domino effect and left him on the deck. But that's not the case . . .
"It is more frustrating that I can see both of my English clubs having a bit of a tough time, and all I can do is watch on from the sidelines," he revealed.
"I really wanted to finish a really good year on a high by challenging to win things in both the Elite League and the Premier League.
"I'm really proud of what I've done this year. If there is any way I can get back on a bike I will do, but it might be that I have to wait until next year.
"It is a shame that what has been a breakthrough season for me at higher levels may have ended in this way, but it has given me the belief I need going forward."
In many ways Blackbird, who didn't start racing seriously until 2011 and mopped up 11 major honours during three seasons in the National League, is a victim of his own success.
After all, had it not been for his super exploits on these shores, he would not have come to the attention of Danish club Grindsted.
Despite his first foray into Scandinavian racing not going to plan as he ended up on the operating table, both rider and club are keen to renew the partnership next year.
"That incident could have happened anywhere," continued Blackbird. "I certainly didn't expect to find myself in hospital needing surgery, but these things happen in speedway.
"The crash wasn't my fault, but these things happen in racing. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"But riding over there holds no fears for me and I will certainly have another crack at it. The people at Grindsted have said they will use me again in the future, so we'll see what happens."
The speedway family have also done their bit to add Blackbird's recovery with collections at Eastbourne and Peterborough receiving generous contributions.
The cash boost has allowed him to seek treatment from renowned Suffolk-based physiotherapist Brian Simpson.
"I can't thank the supporters enough," added Blackbird. "It means so much to me and I can assure them I will spend every penny wisely in my recovery.
"I'm having magnetic and laser treatment and doing everything I possibly can to get myself right. I'm also swimming and doing other fitness work, and I'm feeling better every day."
Blackbird is anxious for British speedway bosses to stick with the Fast-Track scheme after hailing it's first season as a success.
Despite his current lay-off, Blackbird tops the grading list after a whole host of high-scoring performances for the Eagles.
He continued: "Time is not on my side and I need to kick on again next year, but I'm confident I can do that.
"I feel as though I am not far away from being a heat leader in the Premier League and that will be my target for 2015 while I really hope the Fast-Track system continues in the Elite League because I think it has been a big success.
"Other countries have always looked after their own and it is good to see Britain doing the same.
"It is tough to say what should happen next year, but I think they could probably looking at grading the riders on the Draft with each team having to select a rider from a certain grade. That would hopefully give each team a combination of similar strength.
"Maybe some of us are ready to move into the main body of Elite League teams, but I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens during the winter."
Whatever decisions are made by the sport's powers, Blackbird is likely to be a man in demand in 2015.