Edinburgh Monarchs heading in a different direction as popular duo depart
The Edinburgh Monarchs team building continues at pace with the club announcing four riders from the 2026 side won't be returning to the saddle next year.
Skipper Paco Castagna, double league champion Justin Sedgmen, Dan Thompson, and Mitch Cluff, are all moving on and won't be back in blue and gold when the new British speedway campaign gets underway in the spring.
The Capital side have elected to go in a different direction next season with only Kye Thomson, Jonatan Grahn, and Jordy Loftus retained from this year's line-up.
Italian Castagna has captained the side for the last three years having joined the Scottish outfit in 2022.
His infectious personality made him a real hit with supporters. The 32-year-old said: "It's time for goodbyes. Unfortunately me and the Edinburgh Monarchs are parting ways in 2027 and I'm not going to be back in the blue and gold. Five years, three as captain, and what a journey it's been. I have become a better rider and with my time at the club we achieved great things. Thanks to everyone involved. To the fans, thank you. You all saw how close I took the club to my heart and I'm proud I gave you all I had every time. Good luck for the future."
Meanwhile, Sedgmen has not been in a position to confirm his availability for 2027 so team building has had to progress without him. The popular Australian, who was part of the league title-winning Monarchs in 2014 and 2015, departs after six seasons with the club across three different spells. Following his return to Down Under, Sedgmen will celebrate his 20-year testimonial at Mildura Speedway in January. It is thought the 34-year-old is considering his future in the sport with retirement a distinct possibility.
Monarchs co-promoter Alex Harkess said: "Team building for 2027 is continuing at pace and naturally this means that we must confirm some riders that will not be part of our plans.
"I wish to make special mention of Justin Sedgmen and Paco Castagna who have been stalwarts of our club. A massive thank you to them for their service over many years and we wish them well. We also thank and wish Dan and Mitch well as they move on."