CHRIS Louis today hit back at critics who have questioned his loyalty to Ipswich Evening Star Witches.Louis is recovering from a broken collar bone sustained while guesting for Elite League speedway rivals Belle Vue.

By Elvin King

CHRIS Louis today hit back at critics who have questioned his loyalty to Ipswich Evening Star Witches.

Louis is recovering from a broken collar bone sustained while guesting for Elite League speedway rivals Belle Vue.

This has led to him missing the last three league meetings, and the Witches have lost all three.

His dedication has been queried by some who insist that his actions in taking a guest booking have hindered Ipswich's chances of success.

Louis, who has ridden for his home town club since 1989 and is the longest-serving rider for one club in the Elite League, is angry at any suggestion that he is not wholly behind the Witches.

The captain and rider/manager said: “I have, and always will, give everything to Ipswich Witches.

“I cannot understand how anybody can begrudge me taking a guest booking.

“Every time I ride I am in the firing line and in with a chance of getting injured.

“It was just another meeting and if I had said no, another rider would have filled the gap.”

Louis took the place of world champion Jason Crump, who was on Grand Prix duty, for Belle Vue's meeting at Arena-Essex last month.

He won his first three races and was then injured in his fourth outing.

“This is how speedway works unfortunately - and I mean unfortunately,” added Louis, a former world No. 3.

“Teams cannot afford to have large squads to cover for injuries.

“I earn money by riding speedway and not sitting at home.

“I turned down numerous offers to ride in the Swedish League this year, and limited my meetings in the Polish League to a few.

“This was to ensure that I could give my best to Ipswich as I am not as young as I was and my set-ups are not so extensive.

“My Witches team-mate Mark Loram has taken on a number of guest bookings recently, and it is the nature of our job.

“I will always give 100 per cent whenever I ride, but for anyone to question my loyalty to Ipswich is puzzling.”

Ipswich have no home meeting at Foxhall Stadium tonight, but ride at Eastbourne on Saturday and Wolverhampton on Monday in away Elite League fixtures.