ADAM Ellis led Great Britain’s quartet to a superb victory in the Four-Team International Challenge event in Neustadt Donau on Sunday.

Swindon Robins' Ellis, as well as club asset Stefan Nielsen plus Josh Auty and Matt Williamson bested hosts Germany, who included former GP rider Martin Smolinski, plus speedway heavyweights Poland and Denmark on their first visit to the track.

Britain totalled 36 points, one ahead of Poland, with Germany third, Ellis top scoring with 11 points while Nielsen contributed nine with Auty and Williamson on eight apiece.

Team boss Neil Vatcher said: “It was an unbelievable afternoon, and all credit to the four boys who all rode out of their skins.

“Including all the mechanics and British support we had out in Germany, everyone worked together and got a result that has probably surprised a lot of people.

“The fact that we only had one last place in the 20 heats speaks for itself, and that was only when Josh had a bike problem and had to jump on his second bike with only 30 seconds remaining.

“There was some really tough racing, but the boys were up for the challenge and gave as good as they got.

“I genuinely believe Adam is a top-class rider now, and this weekend has proved that he can mix it with the best of them.

“Both Josh and Stefan really do have the British Bulldog spirit, and both boys do not know when they are beaten.

“A special mention though for Matt, who with no experience in Europe whatsoever was fantastic.

"Right from heat one, where he picked up a second place, until his final race in heat 17 where he came from the back to pass Polish rider Mateusz Tonder to win, he had a dream debut in Europe.”

Former Swindon Robins rider Ari Koponen has died at the age of 58.

The Finnish ace rode for Swindon in 1984-85, averaging 6.15 in 1984, recording one full and one paid maximum, and tabled a 5.02 average in 1985 before leaving British speedway.

He reached the World U21 Final on two occasions (1979, 1980) and was crowned the Finnish champion once in 1983.