NICOLAI Klindt sees tomorrow night’s meeting at Lakeside as more important than this evening’s season-opening Elite Shield clash with Poole, but that doesn’t mean the Dane isn’t gunning for victory against the Pirates.

In the absence of any challenge meetings and the postponement of the Bob Kilby Memorial until the end of the campaign, the Robins riders enter tonight’s clash with limited time on the bike as they bid to retain the trophy they won against the same opponents at the start of last season.

The serious stuff begins tomorrow night with an Elite League opener at Lakeside and, although Klindt is prioritising taking the points at the Arena Essex Raceway, he is still excited by the prospect of this evening’s clash.

“I’m in two mindsets really because it’s obviously a serious meeting with a trophy on the line, but then on the other hand it’s also a test meeting because it’s the first one of the season,” he said.

“We have Lakeside the day after which is more important because there are four league points on the line which would get us off to a great start. If you ask Alun (Rossiter) or anyone if he would rather beat Poole or get the points at Lakeside then I’m sure he would say the points.

“It is a serious meeting though and it’s important to please our home fans because we want to show them we are consistent, hard to beat and can make them happy. If you get good home form then it’s a great start.

“Of course there are going to be a few butterflies and a few nerves kicking about but I’m really looking forward to it. I enjoyed press and practice day, although the track wasn’t 100 per cent, but Alun and Ronnie (Russell, track curator) have promised us all it will be in top condition when we get there.”

Klindt impressed at Morten Risager’s testimonial meeting at Ipswich last weekend and is hoping to take that form forward.

“I did Morten Risager’s meeting at Ipswich and I felt really, really good and I can’t complain at all about my start,” he said.

“I’ve felt better and better and more confident every time I’ve got on the bike to ride and you can’t really ask any more than that.

“The first meeting is always exciting and I just want to get started again now.”