The Great Britain Under-19 Pairs team of Sam Hagon, Joe Thompson and Ashton Boughen endured a productive event at Pardubice on Saturday, finishing in joint fifth place on a score of 18 points.
After starting the event in the Czech Republic against the three teams who all ended up on the rostrum – Poland, Denmark and Sweden – the British trio scored some impressive points especially in the latter part of the meeting, and both Thompson and Boughen were involved in a 5-1 heat advantage heat with Hagon as their partner.
Hagon top-scored for GB 11 points from his six rides, which included two race wins and a paid win behind Thompson.
Thompson competed in four heats with a score of four points, and Boughen also competed in four heats which included a maximum score over the Ukraine team to end up on three points, as well as gaining some fantastic experience.
British Youth boss Neil Vatcher said: “We always knew that our first three heats were going to be really tough and that it proved, but all three boys kept their heads up and I was absolutely delighted to see all three gain at least one heat advantage.
“Today was all about the bigger picture, and looking towards 2024 and the experience that all three boys gained was priceless.
“For Joe and Ashton to be making their International debuts they both did a great job, and as for Sam he has benefitted from gaining this type of experience racing in FIM Events in both 2022 and this season, and he rode like a true International.”
Poland continued their success story by winning yet another gold medal with Denmark claiming silver and Sweden the bronze.