Speedway mourns rider Lee Richardson

Lee Richardson died in a crash in Poland on Sunday evening. Credit: The Lakeside Hammers

The world of speedway is in shock following the death of Lee Richardson in a crash in Poland. Tributes have been paid to the former Swindon Robins rider after the announcement last night (Sunday).

Now captain of the Lakeside Hammers, his British team confirmed the news that the 33-year-old had died. He had been competing for PGE Marma Rzeszow against Betard Sparta Wroclaw when he crashed into a safety fence.

Richardson rode for the Swindon Robins between 2005 and 2007. He then joined Eastbourne before signing for the Lakeside Hammers.

The news of Richardson’s untimely death has shocked the speedway community with riders, clubs and fans paying tribute on social networking sites.

The Lakeside Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook says Lee's loss to his family is 'beyond imagination.

Fans were left shocked as Lee Richardson was taken away by ambulance crews

Among riders paying tribute to Mr Richardson is British international Lewis Bridger, who called for the sport to be halted for a day as a mark of respect.

World champion Greg Hancock and Belle Vue rider Rory Schlein were among colleagues who took to Twitter to pay their respects.

As a mark of respect the Lakeside Hammers will not be competing in its scheduled Elite League meeting at Coventry tonight. The team’s next race will be at Poole on Wednesday and the club will stage Friday’s meeting with Swindon in memory of a rider who was a star for both clubs.