dinburgh Monarchs legend Craig Cook says he’s looking forward to his Armadale return after a seven year gap.
The 35-year-old Cumbrian is amongst the most decorated riders in the club’s history as he was the focal point to the side that won back-to-back Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.
Now, he’s back in blue and gold and hungry to add to his already illustrious list of achievements with the club.
He commented: “I am looking forward to it. Armadale has always been a great track for me, especially in 2013, 14 and 15 when I was really strong at home.
“I am looking forward to getting back that home track advantage. It’s definitely a track that suits me and I am happy to be back.”
He added: “2014 and 15 were great. Those were two fantastic seasons, and it would be nice to win some more silverware. The name of the game is to win some trophies although maybe this year I am looking at things a little bit different.
“The last couple of years have been very hard for me and quite stressful so we have changed things up a bit.
“I think it will be a lot less stressful and I can just go enjoy my racing which is key, coming back to the Edinburgh track that I really enjoy riding and my team set up so that I can just enjoy my racing and not think about it.
“That is what I want to do and that is when you get the best out of me. That’s what I am looking for next year - to get to my best if not even better.
“With getting to the Grand Prix in 2018, the aim was always to get to the top and I think my UK form then suffered, so I have forgotten about that now.
“I am not thinking about getting back to the GP or anything like that, I just want to get my UK form back to where it was and not worry about anything else.”
Cook will be the elder statesman in the side for the 2023 season and says he’s looking forward to being a mentor, especially to fellow Cumbrian Kyle Bickley.
The 20-year-old is coming off a challenging season with Cook commenting: “I’ve known Kyle and rode with him, he is a great kid.
“He has had a lot of pressure on his shoulders from a young age but I think he has now grown into a young man and I know he has made some changes in his life.
“He will be a lot happier and it will be great to have him. I like to think I can help him a lot and that goes for everyone in the team.
“I like to think I am a great team person so if anyone in the team needs anything I will be there for them and hopefully the same if I need anything from them.”
Cook’s signing completes the 2023 roster for the Monarchs.
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