Manuel is learning from the best (From Swindon Advertiser)

Manuel is learning from the best

8:46am Tuesday 17th June 2008 in

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NEW Blunsdon hero Manuel Hauzinger has paid tribute to Leigh Adams after the Robins captain helped pave the way for an unforgettable home debut last week.

Hauzinger skidded his way into the hearts of the Swindon supporters with a stunning eight-point haul against Eastbourne, shocking everyone with two heat wins on his first Elite League outing.

But while the fans were still lauding one of the most impressive introductions in recent memory, the Austrian rider, pictured, was singing the praises of his new mentor.

He said: "Leigh looked after my clutch before the meeting so I will ask him all the time now what he thinks.

"I thought the meeting would go okay for me, but I wasn't so sure about the starts. I was concentrating hard on the gating.

"Before I came here I was most looking forward to riding with Leigh because I knew he could help me.

"In the Premier League, when you are riding number one there's nobody you can really get any advice from.

"But when you ride with world-class riders like Leigh Adams you always try to learn something."

The words "camaraderie" and "team spirit" have been a recurring theme in the Robins pit lane this season and Hauzinger was quick to acknowledge the contribution of his fellow riders.

The 25-year-old already knew Mads Korneliussen and Seb Alden from meetings on the continent, but Hauzinger insists everyone has made him feel at home in Swindon.

"I had met most of the riders before at international meetings, so it was not a big surprise for me coming here," he admitted.

"I had a few problems with Newcastle, but last year at Birmingham was really good so I was hoping to get a spot on a team in the Elite League.

"When I was looking for a team in England I asked some of my friends and they all said Swindon would be the best for me.

"I was very happy with my debut and I hope to score some more points next time I ride."

Hauzinger will not have to wait long for his chance. Robins travel to Wimborne Road tomorrow to face rivals Poole in the Knockout Cup, and Hauzinger is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Pirates.

He said: "I had a practice day there two years ago. It's always a nice track and they have a strong team.

"I don't normally like small tracks, as I'm not so good around them.

"I like the big tracks like Swindon, but we will see how it goes."