12:00pm Wednesday 13th January 2010
By Brian Owen
Eastbourne boss Trevor Geer insists he is planning for life with Russian star Denis Gizatullin.
And those plans could involve Cameron Woodward as first-time skipper.
Gizatullin has yet to be confirmed as Eagles reserve as he awaits a work permit.
He rode once for Eastbourne late in the 2007 season and the club have been trying to nail him down on a more permanent basis ever since.
Now, though, they are confident enough he will ride to have listed him in their 2010 line-up on their club website.
Team manager and co-promoter Geer said: “Denis seems pretty sure he has everything he needs and we are just waiting on the work permit.
“It takes time but I’m planning a team which includes him.
“I’ll be deciding on a captain later on but it looks like it will probably be Cam.
“He’s a good man for the job because he is willing to help other riders and that extra responsibility might spur him on.”
Woodward came second to Chris Holder in the third and final round of the Australian Championship.
However, while Holder also topped the overall standings, Woodward finished the series back in ninth place, despite the absence of several top riders.
That is the sort of inconsistency Geer will hope to cure by giving the popular rider the captaincy.
Gizatullin could have to wait up to six weeks to get the green light from authorities in Moscow.
Co-promoter Mike Bellerby, who is overseeing the process for Eagles, said: “It is a lengthy process as we saw with Cameron Woodward last year.
“Fortunately we have no worries with Cam this time because he is now on a three-year visa.”
Eagles’ new No. 1 Matej Zagar is due to make a flying visit to Sussex this weekend to sign his paperwork for next season.
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