A superbly prepared stadium as always at Leicester welcomed a gaggle of new entrants to the Euro-Vets Grand Prix series on a largely fine and fairly hot Saturday, 20th July 2024.

I should here quote our E-V Grand Master, Fred Rothwell's words over the tannoy today - "Euro-Vets is now more of a 'trade name' than a content description" - referring to the diversity we now provide with the new Open category that allows anyone UNDER 35, and of course Lady racers, to participate. Extra meetings for those who want them - got to be good. (I admit to being against the idea but if it helps our Sport to survive, fine).

Welcome to newbies Tom Colling, a long way up from his Southampton base, Andy Collett and Steve Paver making welcome returns from Exeter, Sheffield representatives Will Banyard and his son Oliver together with a few new locals.

Thank you Norman Venson for refereeing today, as always a thankless task but greatly appreciated by those who know.

Here's a small tip for loudhalers - as soon as a race finishes, announce the riders for the next heat. Then you can crack on with your spiel while the Ref puffs his on his little instrument for the next race.This speeds up proceedings dramatically, it's what we do at Northumbria and it works.

As in previous, preciously thin 'match reports'  on here, detail will be scarce due to memory lapse so I'll just give you the important stuff and jog on, except to mention the outstanding riders of the day namely; age group winners Tom Colling, Mark Whitehead and Richard Edge, the amazing Lucy Whitehead and the super-impressive youngsters Kieran Whitehead and Oliver Banyard.

We'll probably start including series points for our Open riders after the East London round to make the tables look cleaner!