LEON Madsen will line up in the Grand Prix race-off at Lonigo next month – despite calls for Pirates’ star to be thrown out of the competition.

Speedway’s world governing body, the FIM, have included the Dane in the Italian meeting on July 3 after he strenuously denied allegations of cheating in the GP qualifier at Fjelsted.

Madsen had been found to have an illegal silencer prior to the meeting in Denmark.

The new King silencer had apparently been tampered with and Poole Castle Cover’s rider was ordered to change it.

He was also fined, believed to be £1,800, on the spot by the FIM jury in charge of the event.

Rival competitors at Fjelsted had protested to referee Jim Lawrence that Madsen should be kicked out.

But Madsen, who vehemently denied doctoring his muffler, was allowed to take part after switching machines.

He eventually finished second behind Krzysztof Kasprzak in his bid to reach the GP Challenge at Vojens.

An FIM spokesperson confirmed on Friday that Madsen was included in the Lonigo round, but said they were not in a position to comment further.

A statement on Madsen’s website said: “Leon has not and will never cheat in speedway by any means.

“We look sternly down on those who cheat or try to. This has always been our view.

“If our intention was to cheat in any way, we would not have chosen to start up the bike and gas it up as the only one at the time.

“We are very pleased we started up the bike that early and got the silencer dismounted as it was not approved for racing.

“Just to clarify, we never have and never will cheat, as we do not see it necessary.”

Poole’s Darcy Ward is first reserve for the Polish race-off at Ostrow on July 3.