Eastbourne Eagles have signed Swedish junior champion Joonas Kylmakorpi.

The Sussex speedway squad snapped up Kylmakorpi, who finished third in last year's world under-21 championship, in the face of opposition from several other top British clubs.

Eagles, who will be chasing back-to-back Elite League title triumphs when the new season opens next month, believe the signing of the much sought-after Swedish rider is a major coup.

Said boss Jon Cook: "We are delighted we have got Joonas. He is a talented rider with a great future and is joining us at just the right time to establish his career in England."

Eastbourne have a tradition of bringing over Swedish riders to race in Britain. These include Stefan Danno, Stefan Andersson and Peter Nahlin in the past, and Cook believes Kylmakorpi will make a big impact.

"We have been tracking him since he first appeared at our winter training school at Arlington in 1998 and have kept a close eye on his progress ever since."

Kylmakorpi has also been in demand in Sweden and has recently completed a move to top team Rosspigarna.

Eagles have now filled six of the seven places in their line-up for the 2001 season.

England internationals Martin Dugard, Joe Screen, David Norris and Dean Barker are all returning, and they will be joined by Kylmakorpi and American Brent Werner.