PETER Kildemand is eager to get the Elite League season under way but would prefer to do it anywhere else but Lakeside.

The Robins septet will ride together for the first time this evening after last night’s Elite Shield clash with Poole was called off due to wet weather, beginning their league season against a Hammers side tipped to challenge in 2014.

The Arena Essex Raceway circuit is not high on the list of preferred tracks of many riders in this country, and certainly doesn’t suit Kildemand’s all-action, full throttle, style, meaning the Robins’ number one is not particularly looking forward to the encounter.

“It’s really frustrating to have the first meeting of the year called off but the decision was made before I flew over which is good,” he said.

“It looks as if it’s going to be a long season.

“We’ve only missed one meeting really and it’s good to have practice but I think we should be alright to be honest.

“Lakeside isn’t the best place to start the season if you ask me but we will go there and kick hard from the start.

“It’s a hard place and it doesn’t really suit me. If you win a heat you’re not really that excited because you just want the day to be over and go home. We have to do it though and it’s important to go there and win.”

Kildemand will come face to face with fellow Dane Mikkel Bech this evening and the Robins number one has backed the teenager to bounce back from a couple of tough seasons to fulfil his undoubted potential.

“Mikkel has done well recently and he needs to get some confidence back because he’s a really good rider,” he said.

“A couple of years ago he was a really good rider and he just seems to lack some confidence a bit, but if he gets that back he can be a really good signing for them.”