TONY RICKARDSSON : Avesta, Sweden.
POOLE PIRATE 2001 – 2004
One of club owner Matt Ford’s most inspired signings, coming swiftly after the news that the club could not agree terms with world champion Mark Loram for the 2001 campaign. One of the greatest ever riders to grace the World stage, Tony had already completed a hat-trick of world individual championships before he joined the South Coast club, and was to add two more to his name during his time with the Pirates.
Celebrated his debut season by topping the club’s averages, while helping the team to win the BSPA Craven Shield for the first time, and finish runners –up in the Elite League. Individually he was unstoppable in the Grand Prix series, finishing on the podium in five of the six events to win the FIM World Individual crown for the fourth time.
Enjoyed an even more outstanding season in 2002 averaging over 10 points per match, with his riding being labelled ‘out of this world’ by the sport’s pundits and fans. Almost unbeatable around Wimborne Road, he scored 12 maximums for Poole and played a big part in helping the side retain the BSPA Craven Shield. He also confirmed his No. 1 ranking by winning the FIM World Individual title for a fifth time.
With Gary Havelock leaving the club at the start of 2003, Rickardsson took over the mantle of team captain, leading the Pirates to an historic league and cup double. His partnership with Leigh Adams gave the side a match winning spearhead that was the envy of the other Elite league clubs.
Dramatically quit the club and British speedway for personal reasons in 2004, completing only seven weeks of the season before announcing his retirement and returning to family life in Sweden.
Made 105 League and Knockout Cup appearances for the club, and scored 1335 points
Currently ranked the Club’s 24th highest individual points scorer.
He was inducted into the Poole Speedway Hall of Fame in 2008.