FATHER-to-be Chris Holder is hoping to wet the baby’s head by helping Poole make a fast start in defence of their Elite League crown.

Holder, newly-appointed captain of Coastal Aluminum Pirates, and his girlfriend Sealy are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child later this month.

The birth could coincide with Holder’s first date in this season’s Grand Prix, the first round set for Auckland in New Zealand three weeks today.

Pirates’ Elite League curtain-raiser takes place just six days later when Holder will lead them into battle in a Good Friday double-header against Coventry.

Holder combined winning the Australian Championship with a well-earned holiday Down Under over the English winter and has returned fit and raring to go.

The 24-year-old told the Daily Echo: “The baby is due around when I go to New Zealand and, hopefully, it will be before or after. Now it is getting close, it is exciting. I don’t think too much will change, we will just have a little person with us!”

Holder, who says the baby will be born in either Poole or Bournemouth, added: “I’m feeling good and didn’t have too much time off a bike during the break. I’m looking forward to the start of the new season.

“It is going to be pretty tough this year. We have had to split up the team and start again. A good start to the season is vital. If we can do that and keep the momentum going, we should have a good chance again.

“Starting the season well sets the tone for the next few months. It is a lot easier to keep going if you are winning and everyone is riding well. If you struggle, it is hard to get up and running. I am sure we will be fine.

“We were really strong last season and made the most of it by winning everything. We have lost Davey Watt and he was a big part of the team so it is going to be difficult to fill his spot.

“But the riders we have brought in are good, although a lot can depend on how people start. Some can be really good, but it might take a bit of time with others. I think we will be okay.”

Holder, who is settled in Bearwood, will skipper Pirates for the first time this season in an Elite Shield clash at Wolverhampton a week on Monday with the return leg taking place at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, March 21.

“I had a good break,” said Holder, who will again ride in Poland and Sweden this season. “I did a lot of motocross riding and had six speedway meetings. I sent two of my bikes over from here because I wanted to make sure I had good equipment in Australia.

“My fitness is good and I had a practice at Poole on Thursday and everything went well. It is going to be another hectic season but I can’t wait to get started.”