Main
Here's an incomplete list of racers over the last few seasons and a few beyond that I remember or have discovered, in absolutely no sensible order. 2021 Champions.
John Whiting |
S Hodgkinson |
M Winwood |
Over 60s | Over 50s | Over 40s |
I would like your input to get this list closer to being accurate please, and I'm sorry for any incorrect age discrimination. E-mail terry @ eurovets.uk
What a great turnout for the start of the 2022 Grand Prix Series! Well done to all who attended, Commiserations to Alan Busby who was injured (and anyone else who may have been) and apologies from not just me, but the compact Geordie fraternity who weren't represented at all at this one.
Another healthy turnout for the Over 50s and 60s but a slightly subdued juvenile entry this time on a beautiful day in the West Midlands.
I look forward to unearthing someone else's report as I've probably forgotten most of it already! Anyway, herewith the programme and stats sheets.
Big shout out (I think that's the popular phrase) to Andrew Yard, Paddy Wenn, Glyn Morgan, Steve Copping and Ray Pyke for putting the miles in to join us today in these difficult and expensive times for leisure travel.
With more than a little "unusual" activity on the track today I think a timely reminder may be in order that we are, or at least we aspire to be, the Gentlemen of Cycle Speedway who should really be setting an example for those who follow. A couple of startling events today didn't quite fit our mould and one or both could have resulted in injury to onlookers, not good at all.
On a lighter note it was great to see our Main Man Fred Rothwell back racing today after a lengthy layoff with his ankle trouble, looking like a spritely 40 year old again :). He'll be more than encouraged to have beaten the current Champion today. Series returnee, former British Vets Champion and World No 2 Gavin Parr, now elevated to the Over 50s, made a stunning 2022 debut and we hope to see more of him in this year's competition too. And homester Chris Jewkes amply demonstrated his mastery of the Ashmore Park track with a stunning performance for the locals to cheer.
On a personal note it was great to have a bit of speed back but as I approach the first anniversary of my shattered thigh and hip bones I've had to accept my once half-decent gating days are over, however I enjoy the chase probably more than ever now and sure did today.
Geoff Gamage takes up the story:
Image courtesy of Andy Whitehouse:
Phil's racing days are over but he hopes to be able to at least ride a bike sometime in the near future.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU SPIT A MISTOOK :)
I should first mention that there was an anomaly in this one - that of three lady riders and one male Junior taking part, the result of overlap from the previous day's Home International across on the opposite coast at Fife. It didn't make sense to just keep these folk hanging around so we managed (aka Fred Rothwell and Geoff Gamage managed!) to squeeze them into the programme. Following the young man's very unfortunate crash and resultant broken wrist I doubt if we'll be doing that part again but there is an outside chance of us incorporating Women's racing into the schedule if there's a taste for it. You may also notice an Old Git riding in the Over 35/40s programme as well as the ladies - that was a volunteer to keep the overall entry workable. And nice to see another face added to the clan, this time my Edinburgh Falcons teammate Ewan Tulloch.
I'm hoping someone will offer their overall thoughts and the odd photograph so hang on a while for that. Meanwhile here are the results of the Geordie Jury :)
**couple of quotes from FB:
It showed why Eurovets runs better outside BC, that is nothing against them but we would be too restricted in groups, age cats, formulas etc. to make any round work without the freedom to adapt to who is there on the day. I believe the formulas we use works, the extra race for the 9 man one etc. is now the norm, tbf the riders also play a big part in accepting the way we run it too. Fred Rothwell and I seem to have a knack now, racing was great and the girls played their part too. Was great to see the Scottish Eurovets family a brilliant week end inc. the Home International at Fife.
Couldn’t agree more with Geoff’s sentiments, it makes it an absolute pleasure to be part of the set up. I will add my thanks to each and everyone of the Glasgow club for making us all welcome and putting on a super raffle which raised over £100 for our charity fund raising.
Special mention to Bob Prince and Stuart Raven, tremendous shifts put in on centre green and start grid.
So nice to see Chic on a track again and thanks to Heather for providing the medals.
Finish on a sad note, Harvey has suffered a broken wrist in his ‘off’, I’m sure we all wish him a speedy recovery, and a successful return to the track.