Kauko Competes in World Cup
Posted 15/07/06

Kauko Nieminen gave a good account of himself in Rybnik tonight as part of the Finland team in the World Cup Qualifying Round facing Australia, Great Britain and Poland.

In reality, Finland were always only going to be there to make up the numbers but as a Premier League rider against Elite League and Grand Prix stars Kauko certainly was not overwhelmed.

His first ride saw him claim a second place ahead of Poland's Seb Ulamek and Rory Schlein before claiming a third in his second ride, being beaten by Todd Wiltshire and Chris Harris although Kauko certainly gave Harris a run for his money especially in the early stages - Harris was only able to get past Kauko on the final lap.

Unfortunately for Kauko, he was off the almost impossible gate three for his next three races and finished at the back in all three races although he was never off the pace and competed well.

He completed his nights racing in the penultimate heat - against grand Prix trio of Adams, Gollob and Nicholls! Unsurprisingly he again was in fourth place but again was not overwhelmed.

Finland finished with a meagre 9 points, Kauko being their second top scorer on 3, former Tiger Kaj Laukennan scoring 5. However Kauko certainly will have made a few people sit up and take notice with his performance.