TROY Batchelor is free to ride in 2015 after Swindon Robins have been granted a new visa sponsorship licence.

Batchelor’s future with the Blunsdon club had appeared to be in doubt, when Swindon along with every other side in British speedway, had their licences revoked at the end of January due to issues with the Home Office and UK Border agency.

However, those issues have now been resolved and Batchelor will have no problems getting on the start line when the season starts next month. The resolution comes following a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) workshop and a subsequent compliance visit from the Robins who have now had their licence returned.

Team manager Alun Rossiter was always confident the issue would be resolved, and was pleased to get the question mark over his captain's visa officially removed. 

"It's great news that Troy (Batchelor) has been cleared to ride for us again this year," he said.

"I never thought there would be a problem with Troy, but you can never say never, so it was a big relief when we had it confirmed earlier and now it's all systems go.

"I'd like to think Troy has got a long term future at Swindon - he's a world class rider, he's more than happy and settled here and he's going to play a big part for the club this season.

"We've got the club back on a good foot, we've got an exciting line-up once again and hopefully Troy and the rest of the boys can get us to the play-offs once again." 

The Aussie Grand Prix star is also now eligible to defend his Elite League Riders Championship title and ride in the Bob Kilby Memorial meeting later this month.