7:57am Monday 14th April 2008
AMBITIOUS Mads Korneliussen is determined to make it third time lucky with Swindon Robins after setting his sights on a regular heat leader berth in 2008.
The popular Dane was in blistering form around Blunsdon last Thursday night, returning paid 14 in Robins' 53-40 demolition of Lakeside Hammers.
After an injury-ravaged 2007, in which Korneliussen was forced to sit out three domestic finals, the man from Aalborg is desperate to make his mark on the Abbey shale.
"It's been really great around here the first few times this season, but it's my third year so maybe it was meant to be," said the 24-year-old.
"I guess it was now or never so I knew I had to step up to the plate. I want to be in a heat leader position soon and that's what I'm aiming for.
"Things are going well for me so far, so I'm really happy."
Korneliussen has already amassed 86 points from just nine meetings this season, as he bids to improve on his starting average of 5.18.
Only skipper Leigh Adams (134) has bettered that tally to date, and Korneliussen is fast becoming indispensable to the Swindon outfit.
Team boss Alun Rossiter certainly has no regrets about retaining the rider's services for a third campaign.
Rosco said: "Mads was the first signing I ever made.
"I went to Terry Russell and said I want to buy him from Newport, and to see how well he's riding is really pleasing.
"He did his job the last two years.
"It was just unfortunate he got hit with injuries, a couple of which were not his fault.
"But now he is riding with great skill and control and he will be a key rider for us this year, that's for sure."
Korneliussen has also forged a strong partnership with young Aussie Troy Batchelor, the pair returning three maximums from four rides together against Lakeside.
With a tough trip to Ipswich in the offing tonight, Mads is determined to bring back another big haul from the Foxhall Stadium.
He said: "Me and Troy have got a really strong partnership going at three and four.
"We have shown that on the away tracks as well.
"A lot of teams have good riders at three or four, but we're strong in both positions, so it's really good.
"We need to go for the win at Ipswich. As we've done this year already we just keep proving everybody wrong.
"As soon as we get our heads into gear and adjust to all the away tracks, I think we can pick up some wins.
"I think we will surprise a lot of people this season."
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