Swindon Speedway has announced the signing of thirty-year-old Damian Balinski, who helped Poland to victory in the World Cup Final at his home track, Leszno, a little over seven weeks ago, on 21 July.

Balinski, who has ridden for Unia Leszno since 1994, comes in as a direct replacement for Mads Korneliussen, after the popular Dane suffered a broken ankle last weekend.

Balinski was born in Leszno on 5 August 1977 and comes with a glowing reputation in his homeland. And he joins the Robins in time to make his debut in the Play-Off semi-final versus either Poole or Peterborough at Blunsdon on Monday 17 September.

A delighted team boss, Alun Rossiter, said: "I've been working hard with Leigh Adams for two years or so to get Damian to ride for us and we've finally got him! He is a very exciting rider and a crowd-pleaser too.

"He will benefit from already knowing several of the people around him at Swindon and, because of that, this is the only British club Damian would have come to.

"The end-of-season spell will hopefully convince him to return for a full term next season. I would like to thank Leigh Adams and the Unia Leszno club for all their help in making this happen.

"We will miss Mads Korneliussen, of course, but Damian is a more than adequate replacement while he recuperates in readiness for next year."