Sheffield Tigers’ Leon Flint has been named in Great Britain’s line-up for the FIM Speedway World Cup Semi-Final 1, which will take place at the beginning of May.

Flint joins captain Robert Lambert, Dan Bewley, Tom Brennan, Adam Ellis, Charles Wright and Dan Thompson as one of the seven drivers selected for Great Britain’s squad.

On being selected for the squad, Leon Flint said: “It’s a massive honour to be named in the Great Britain squad for the World Cup. Any time you get the opportunity to represent your country, it means a lot, and to be included in a seven-man lineup for such a prestigious event is something I’m really proud of.”

“It’s a reflection of the work that’s gone in over the last few seasons, both on and off the track, and it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward. I’m grateful to the management for the faith they’ve shown in me, and I’m really looking forward to being part of the team environment and contributing wherever I’m needed.”

His selection comes after a successful 2025 season which saw him break into the main body of the Sheffield Tigers team in his maiden season at Owlerton Stadium.

For the 2026 season, the former British Under-21 and Under-19 champion has returned to the South Yorkshire club, and he and the rest of the team will open their premiership campaign next Monday (27th April).

On his form heading into the 2026 season, Flint said: “I’ve really enjoyed the past few years, and I feel like I’ve developed a lot as a rider during that time. The standard is very high, and you’re constantly racing against experienced and talented riders, which pushes you to improve every time you go out on track.”

I’ve

been working hard to make sure I’m in the best possible shape, both mentally and physically, going into the semi-final

“Starting the 2026 season with Sheffield has been another positive step, and I’m really enjoying being part of the team. I’m continuing to learn, gain experience, and work on improving different aspects of my riding, and the aim is to keep progressing and contributing as much as I can throughout the season.”

The Speedway World Cup Semi-Final 1 will see Great Britain go up against hosts Germany as well as the Czech Republic and Ukraine as they compete to earn their place in the final on 29th August.

The top-placed team will compete against Poland and Australia, both of whom have already qualified for the final, and the highest-ranked team from semi-final 2: Latvia, Denmark, Norway or Sweden.

On the preparations ahead of the semi-final, Flint said: "Preparations have been solid so far. Everyone has been busy with their club racing, so the main focus has been on building form. Personally, I’ve been working hard to make sure I’m in the best possible shape, both mentally and physically, going into the semi-final.”

“We know it’s going to be a tough meeting with strong opposition, so we’re not taking anything for granted. The key will be to start well, stay consistent, and make the most of every ride. As a team, we’re feeling positive and ready for the challenge.”

The last edition of the Speedway World Cup returned to the calendar after a six-year break and saw Great Britain come away with the silver medal in what is still the closest final in the history of the event.

This year’s team of seven drivers will be hoping to go one better than their 2023 counterparts and win Great Britain’s first world title in the four-team World Cup format since 1989.

Representing your country is one of the highest honours in the sport, and competitions like this bring that sense of pride and togetherness within the team

On Great Britain’s previous successes and how they can match them, Flint said: “Finishing second last time was a great achievement for the team, but naturally we all want to go one better this year. There’s a real belief within the group that we have what it takes to challenge for the win, and that’s definitely the goal going into this year’s competition.”

“From a personal point of view, I just want to be ready when called upon, do my job, and contribute as many points as I can for the team. Everyone has a role to play, so it’s about staying focussed, supporting each other, and delivering consistent performances across the meeting.”

The 2026 World Cup event will see the best nations in the world compete for the Ove Fundin Trophy as the ‘biggest speedway world team event’ regains its regularity as an event which is staged every three years.

With two of the 2023 finalists already set to compete at this year's edition of the final, it is already expected to showcase the best of the best that speedway has to offer as it makes it popular return to the FIM calendar.

On this year being the return of the Speedway World Cup fixtures, Flint said: “It’s really important for Great Britain and for the sport as a whole. Having this FIM fixture back on the calendar gives riders another major international event to aim for, which is always a big motivation.”

“Representing your country is one of the highest honours in the sport, and competitions like this bring that sense of pride and togetherness within the team. Hopefully, strong performances from the team can inspire younger riders coming through and keep building momentum for the future.”

The 2026 WWK Schwaiger & Partner FIM Speedway World Cup Semi-Final 1 will take place in Landshut on Friday, 1st May, with the event being the first of three rounds on the 2026 Speedway World Cup calendar.