Leigh looks forward to GP break (From Swindon Advertiser)

Leigh looks forward to GP break

8:14am Monday 30th June 2008

LEIGH Adams believes a complete break from Grand Prix racing may be enough to re-ignite his fading challenge for the world title.

After Saturday's fifth round at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the Robins captain finds himself fifth on the leaderboard but 31 points off current pace-setter and reigning champion Nicki Pedersen, of Denmark.

While last year Adams pushed Pedersen all the way to the title, this time around he has largely flattered to deceive, with a 20-point haul in Poland the only double-figure score he has to show for his efforts.

But with five weeks until the next round of the series, in Prague, the Australian is determined to put all Grand Prix thoughts firmly out of his mind.

He admitted: "Tonight I felt pretty good. I felt as though I was grinding away and we were there - we were on the pace - and I can't be too hard on myself that way.

"But it's been a tough run for me. Obviously the highlight's been Leszno, but apart from that it's been difficult.

"I've had a tough old time but we can have a rest now, forget about Grand Prix's for a little bit and concentrate on everything else.

"We'll come back, hopefully get back into a rhythm and start winning a few."

Adams made a steady start in the Millennium Stadium spectacle with a second placed finish in the opening heat behind Denmark's Niels-Kristian Iversen.

He then showed signs of the talent that has made him one of the world's best with a superb ride in heat five.

Out of gate two, Adams pushed Greg Hancock all the way round the Cardiff shale, and there was nothing to separate the pair as they crossed the line.

Adams clearly felt he pipped the American, but referee Marek Wojaczek ruled the other way after taking in the television replay.

A poor start cost Swindon's ace in heat nine as he failed to make an impression and picked up just a single point, but he regained the initiative after a re-run in heat 13 with another runners-up spot.

Adams looked on course for a place in the semi-finals until his controversial exclusion from heat 17, which baffled the 50,000 strong Millennium crowd, and he was therefore forced to settle for just seven points.

Fellow Aussie Jason Crump took the overall honours, with victory in the final giving him a two-point advantage over Hancock, and Pedersen grabbed 11 points to continue to lead the way.

"Nicki is pulling further away, but he was lucky tonight," admitted Adams.

"He wasn't really on the money but managed to make the final.

"It's good for Jason and I'm pleased for him, because he's been struggling. But he's now back in the points and will be right up there.

"I just need to make sure I have a good one in Prague so I can try and keep in touch with them."