Oxford speedway legend Hans Nielsen has paid tribute to former Cheetahs teammate Simon Wigg who died from a brain tumour, aged 40, on Tuesday, writes John Gaisford.

The multi-world champion, now retired from the sport after an illustrious career, said: "I'm really sad to hear the news about Simon. He had so much to live for and was only a young man, the same age as myself.

"Obviously, the times we had together at Oxford were the most successful and happiest of our careers. We had a special relationship. He lived life to the full and was successful in all he did.

"Probably his main sport was the longtrack and speedway his second love, but he did a real good job for Oxford.

"We all knew that his death was on the cards, but it doesn't make it any easier to take in.

"It came as a shock for me when I visited him in April at Milton Keynes. He was deteriorating then. He was pretty bad. I wanted to see him, if only to say my goodbyes."

Nielsen, who now lives out his retirement at a farm in Denmark where he is busily renovating a new clothes shop for his wife Suzanne, plans to attend the funeral, details of which have yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, Nielsen, the holder of a record number of FIM gold medals, says that although he follows the sport avidly, he doesn't miss it one bit.

He applauds the new Sky 5m deal with British speedway next season.

"Someone has at last realised what a great sport speedway is. It's the way ahead for the British clubs," he added.