Barker made his Coventry debut in April 2008

Coventry Bees' 2009 rider of the year Ben Barker has agreed a new one-year deal to stay with the club next season.

Barker will be joined in the line-up by Czech Republic rider Filip Sitera, who is targeting 2010 as his breakthrough year in British racing.

Bees promoter Colin Pratt said: "Ben had an outstanding first season at Elite League level.

"He still has lots more potential and we're looking forward to seeing even more from him next year."

Barker rode for Coventry as a standby in 2008 and impressed the club enough for them to purchase his contract outright in the middle of the season.

He suffered a badly broken leg last April, but came back in style after three months out and ended the season with an impressive average of 6.83, which is reduced to 6.66 due to his British nationality.

We feel he can be a very useful rider on his starting average Bees promoter Colin Pratt on Filip Sitera

Sitera, meanwhile, has been in and out of the side since his first appearances in August 2008, and had a long spell as injury cover last season.

He struggled during the final month of his run in the team but had previously scored solidly at reserve, which is where he is expected to start the 2010 season.

"It wasn't easy for Filip at times last year and it's always hard to come into a side in mid-season, but he had produced several good scores before he went off-form in August," added Pratt.

"He has new equipment all ready for next season and we feel he can be a very useful rider on his starting average.

"Things are coming together for us and hopefully we'll be in a position to release some more news next week."

Skipper Chris Harris, Rory Schlein and the doubling-up pair Josh Auty and Ricky Wells have already agreed to ride for Bees in 2010.

It is widely expected that Edward Kennett will join them again at Brandon but Olly Allen has left after agreeing a loan deal at Ipswich Witches.

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