TROY Batchelor is ready to take on the challenge of being the top rider in the Premiership with Sheffield.

Aussie ace Batchelor has remained based in the UK throughout the winter and is preparing for his Tigers debut at Belle Vue on Monday week, May 17.

And with the loss of fellow countryman and former world champion Jason Doyle from the Premiership, Batchelor will start the season top in the Premiership averages.

He said: “It doesn’t worry me, obviously now not having Doyley means I’ll be expected to be up there but I’m ready for a new challenge with Sheffield and I’ll do my best.

“All I ever do is go out there and try my best. It was great to be back on the bike recently and I’m really looking forward to joining Sheffield.

“Any number one rider has a target on their back and I’m just looking forward to having a good season because last year wasn’t very good for me.

“I was in Poland a lot and they are all about practice over there. I got through about 20 or 30 tyres and didn’t have a meeting during that time. I was in for one meeting and then back out again, it was so frustrating, it’s tough over there.

“At least being back in England with Sheffield I’m going to get plenty of meetings and I’m happy to forget about last year.”

Batchelor has had some fine meetings around Belle Vue when riding for Swindon and will be more than a match for the likes of Brady Kurtz and track record holder Dan Bewley.

“I like the place, the track is awesome there and for sure it’s a pleasure to ride there,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going there again, everything about the place is excellent with the stadium facilities.

“And I’m looking forward to getting some laps in around Sheffield, I’m sure it won’t take long to get dialled in around there.

“Although it’s a while since I’ve been to Sheffield I’m excited by it and pretty confident we’ll have a good season with them.”