Welcome to Gladiator Catch Up. We’ve been catching up with the team over the winter months in preparation for the new season ahead.

Joe Thompson returns to the Plymouth Gladiators for a third consecutive season, and for him, the decision was never in doubt. With unfinished business at the Coliseum and belief in both the club and the team around him, Thompson is determined to help push Plymouth into genuine silverware contention this year.

What made you want to return to Plymouth for another season?

This will be my third season at the Coliseum and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being there. It’s a place I can turn up every week and genuinely enjoy myself.

The atmosphere is becoming something really special, and I’m really looking forward to getting the new season started.

How much did last season influence your decision to come back?

A lot. I had several clubs approach me over the winter asking if I’d sign for them, but Plymouth was always my favourite option.

I get on really well with Garry May, and I truly believe he helps bring the best out of me as a rider.

What does riding for Plymouth mean to you personally?

I’m always proud to represent the Gladiators. Things haven’t quite gone our way over the last couple of seasons, even when we were starting to get close to the play-off places.

That lack of silverware is a big motivation for this year, and it’s something I’m determined to help change.

Looking back on last season, what were your highlights?

Beating Poole three times out of three at the Coliseum was special and probably something people wouldn’t normally associate with Plymouth.

Helping to wrap up Poole’s first defeat in Heat 15 was a really cool moment and definitely a highlight for me.

Is there anything you’ve taken from last year that you’re keen to build on this season?

My gating at the Coliseum is definitely one of my strengths, and that’s something I really want to build on this year. Making good starts there is such an important factor.

Are there any areas you’re particularly focused on improving?

The track has developed a lot, and I’m excited to make more use of the banking and the wider line going into bend three. It’s something I’m really looking forward to exploring more this season.

How have you been spending the off-season away from racing?

I’ve been doing plenty of gym work and cardio training alongside working full-time. I’ve also spent a lot of hours in the workshop getting everything ready for the new season.

What kind of preparation work have you been doing over the winter?

Fitness has gone really well, and so has the bike building. Everything feels like it’s in a good place at the moment.

Has your off-season approach changed at all compared to previous years?

Not at all. I want to win every year. The bikes improve year on year, so I should be putting myself in a better position each season as well.

How excited are you to get back out at the Coliseum?

Very excited. It’s one of my favourite tracks, and the team we’ve put together looks solid from top to bottom.

What are your personal goals for the new season?

I want to keep improving my average and help the Gladiators get into the play-offs. Beyond that, I’ll see what the season brings and take it meeting by meeting.

What do you think this team is capable of achieving this year?

The league trophy, for sure. I think the team has a great balance, and it’s not something a lot of clubs opt for when they’re building a side.

What message would you like to send to the Plymouth fans ahead of the new season?

It’s going to be an exciting year with a strong team. It would be great to see as many of you as possible down there supporting us it really does mean everything to us as riders.

It also means a huge amount to Mark Phillips. He puts his all into giving us a place to race and somewhere for fans to enjoy their Saturday evenings.