GLASGOW’S Craig Cook admits it’s one of his “proudest moments” to be named as Great Britain captain for the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations finals.
But the flying Cumbrian is adamant that it’s only an honour if he can help his country land the title or at least a medal in Togliatti, Russia later this month.
Cook, 31, has been appointed skipper in the absence of triple World Champion Tai Woffinden and leads a side with current British Champion Robert Lambert and former Tiger Chris Harris.
He said: “Of course it’s a massive boost to be named Great Britain captain. I love racing for my country, it’s one of my big ambitions realised. It’s one of my proudest moments.
“It’s not in the manner that I’d ideally like. We are obviously missing Tai and he’s been such a brilliant leader for the country.
“We really want Tai to be in the team not on the sidelines but it is what it is. This is speedway, you have to deal with these situations.
“All we can do now is go there and do the best job possible without him. We only want a gold medal otherwise we wouldn’t be bothered going.
“It was extremely frustrating to finish with silver a year ago. I felt we were the best country over the two-day final but fair play to Russia they won it.
“I think that people maybe writing Great Britain off now that Tai is out. That suits us just fine, being an underdog is no bad thing.
“But we do have a big job on our hands without him. All three of us have been established riders for a while on the big stage and all of us have shown we can win at the highest level. Now we have to do it in Russia.
“Chris, Robert and I are in great form in our league racing. I’ve got a lot to prove because I was gutted to not get much of a chance a year ago in the Nations finals.
“It’s going to be hard but this is effectively a World Cup final, so you have to expect it to be hard. I’m a winner, all I want is gold and that’s what we are going for.”
Glasgow co-owner Gerry Facenna admitted he is delighted and “honoured” to have the British captain racing for the Allied Vehicles Tigers.
He added: “Craig has been the best signing since we took over the club in late 2014. He is a leader and an inspiration. He deserves to be Great Britain captain.
“Of course as a club we are very honoured to have the British captain in our side. We know that he will bring great determination and desire to lead his country. Everyone at Glasgow will be supporting the boys in Russia and hope he can bring back a gold medal to Ashfield Stadium.”