Speedway World Cup final: Tai Woffinden has tear tattoo inked into face… but hopes to end week with tears of joy
Great Britain No1 sparked controversy by missing practice this weekbut vows to put it right in Belle Vue showdown
REIGNING world champion Tai Woffinden had a tear tattoo inked onto his face - but wants to end the week with tears of joy.
The Great Britain No1 leads the squad into the World Cup final tomorrow night at the New National Speedway Stadium in Belle Vue, Manchester.
Woffy, 25, sparked controversy by missing practice on Monday but has spent the week getting his backed tattoos “filled in” and testing a new engine in Poland.
But the tear tattoo near his eye is for his dad Rob, who lost his fight with cancer six years ago.
He said: “The reason behind it is I lost my dad in 2010 was a sad time in my family's life and I didn't deal with it the best way.
“I hit rock bottom when I went back to Australia after the season and things went from bad to worse.
“But now I see it every day and it reminds me of what I have been through and how bad those times were.
“On the flip side I know how strong of a person I am now and I will never go back to that place I was in losing my dad was hard but it made me become the person I am today.”
Woffinden’s social network trolls have been out in force after he missed Monday’s practice - he was getting inked instead before extensive bike preparation in Poland to be ready for the World Cup final.
He added: “I had my back filled in with tatts. But I’ve had as many knives in my back as needles this week.
“It’s all about Saturday night. If we all perform to our top level it will be very close. Let’s hope it’s a big night for Great Britain.”