Erik Riss ruled out

IT was hoped that Erik Riss would be able to ride in tonight’s meeting (Wednesday, August 12) for the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs against the Workington Comets in the Cab Direct Championship at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium, but sadly this is no longer possible.

In an emotional message, Erik said: “I’m really sorry to the club and the fans that I can’t race tonight, but my symptoms have got worse again after informing the club that I wanted to be back this week.

“Unfortunately I am still not completely over my health issues and I probably never will be. it’s a condition that I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life and I’m still looking for a long-term solution which still hasn’t been found and my symptoms of having blurred vision and being sensitive to light are still fluctuating from time to time.

“I was at the point last week where I felt like I could race today as I really, really wanted to thank the club for holding onto me through this time but, unfortunately, every time I get back on the on the bike whether it’s practice or racing my symptoms get worse again.

“I had a practice on Monday in preparation for today and unfortunately, I felt worse again yesterday and today and I don’t feel safe to get on the bike tonight and race.

“I’m really sorry about the whole situation. It’s been a horrible two years for me. To be a professional speedway rider has always been my childhood dream and I was living my dream for a long time until the last four years and it feels like a lot has been taken away from me.

“It’s been a really tough time and I just desperately want to be back racing, but unfortunately it’s not going to happen yet.”

The Oxford management are gutted for Erik, who has been with the club since 2024, and was one of the shining lights for the Oxford Spires in 2024 and 2025, and has never given less than 100 per cent effort for the club. We’re sure the supporters will feel for him equally, since he is a popular rider out on the terraces.