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SECONDARY REGISTRATION MYSTERY DEEPENS - posted 17 April 2009

A couple of days ago, we reported that British Cycling had turned down five secondary registrations (see below).  At the time it was assumed that the applications had been received after the registration deadline but judging by contributions to the Viewpoint page, this appears not to be the case. 

The rules on secondary registrations are complex and sometimes difficult to interpretate.    We understand that applications from Lee Aris and Chris Jewkes to ride for Stockport 2006 were refused on the basis that the North consider all four regional leagues to be the same competition.  As Aris and Jewkes had already signed secondaries for East Park in the Midland regional league, adopting the North's interpretation, they cannot ride in the Northern regional league.

Dariusz Pilas had already signed secondary forms for Astley and Tyldesley.  Again, applying the Northern rule that regional leagues are the same competition, Pilas cannot race for Astley & Tyldesley in the North regional league and Sandwell in the Midlands regional league.  It is believed paperwork relating to Mark Winwood and Chris Timms secondary move to Stoke was incomplete, although it appears uncertain if these will be approved in any case.

Cycle speedway is never black and white though.  The North have allowed Dave Murphy and Colin Wheeler to race both for Heckmondwike in the North regional league and Poole in the South-West - on the basis that this conforms to the original spirit of secondary registrations by helping struggling clubs.

But not everyone was pleased with the announcement - or the way it was made.  Experienced club official Dave Jewkes questioned the decision.

"Who turned down the secondary registrations? Northern League? Midland League? British Cycling Cycle Speedway Commission? I do not know!" he mused.

"As Wednesfield secretary, I can confirm that the applications were sent in on time.  I have a letter from the Northern League that confirms that they were sent to BCF and signed by the Northern League secretary stating that he had no issues with either club or riders concerned.  However the letter did state that the Northern League secretary had raised a much wider issue with his Midland League counterpart who agreed with him that riders should not be riding in two regional leagues.  It went on to say that he had asked Bob Prince to address this problem with his Commission colleagues whilst Brian Furness was away" added Jewkes.

"Was this discussed at a Commission meeting? Who made the decision to turn the applications down? Were the club secretaries or riders notified that they had been refused?" Jewkes demanded to know.

SECONDARY REGISTRATION MYSTERY - posted 14 April 2009

British Cycling has today announced that it has turned down five secondary registrations, including that of former national champion Lee Aris.  In a circular to member clubs, BC announced that they has refused to sanction secondary applications from Lee Aris and Chris Jewkes to Stockport 2006, Mark Winwood and Chris Timms to Stoke and Dariusz Pilas to Sandwell.

The circular gives no indication of the reasons behind British Cycling's decision although it is widely believed the applications were received after the transfer and secondary registration deadline.

SANDWELL YOUNGSTER ASSAULTED - posted 3 April 2009

One of cycle speedway's most promising young riders has been mugged whilst out training. 

Sandwell starlet Scott Millward was taking a break from regular cycle speedway, putting his new BMX bike through its paces on a local skate park in Coseley near Wolverhampton, when he was approached by several 'hoodies'.  One demanded Scott's bike.  Scott refused and was dealt a severe a punch to the face, knocking him to the floor.  As the assailants stood laughing over terrified Scott, they demanded his mobile phone.  Fearing he was going to get a kicking, Scott did the sensible thing and handed it over.

Police were called but so far they have been unable to apprehend the culprits.  Scott was lucky not to receive serious injury but was left obviously battered and is now supporting a lovely bruise on his face.

Sandwell stalwart Pete Dalley picks up the story "Scott has put a brave face on, has turned up for training twice this week and as always given his best.  A reward has been offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of these low life vermin responsible for this attack and violence on a young lad like Scott.  So to all you youngsters reading this - beware!  It could be you next.  Always stay with a group of friends. You may not be as lucky as Scott - if you can call being mugged 'lucky')  Take care, be safe and be sensible" warned Dalley.

HELMET COLOURS LAUNCHED - posted 1 April 2009

A new rule comes into force today which will revolutionise the way cycle speedway is presented.  Following a ruling by the Cycle Speedway Commission, all riders will be required to wear helmet colours.

The surprise announcement was made after officials struggled to enforce the rules on rider numbers.  Regulations require that "Jerseys will bear on their back a distinctive number to coincide with programme details".  However over the years, this rule has proved difficult to apply.

Now, following the introduction of today's ruling, it should be much easier for spectators and referees to identify riders.  The rider on the inside grid will wear a red helmet, the rider in two a blue helmet, the rider in grid three a yellow helmet and the rider in grid four a white helmet - similar to speedway.

But the new ruling has not been welcomed by everyone. In team events. managers will have to decide what grid a rider starts from before leaving the pits.

"I see this causing problems" said one Premier League manager.  "I can see a lot of swapping of helmet colours before riders go out for their race."

Some cycle speedway riders are also less than impressed with the new ruling.

"I have just bought a new Aprone helmet" said one of the country's top riders.  "It cost me £70 and looks really great.  Why cover it up with a plastic cover?"

Leading cycle speedway stockist Shaun Hudson, proprietor of Cycle Speedway Sales and Wants, confirmed that he had the new covers in stock but warned that they are not cheap.

"They cost £20 a piece, so that's £80 for a set of four plus postage.  Clubs will have to have two sets, one for those actually racing and another for the next set of riders getting ready in the pits.  A lot of clubs won't be able to afford it" warned Hudson.

"Riders spend a lot of money on helmets. We stock helmets in a variety of colours but I don't know if this would be acceptable as they seem set on introducing these covers.  In any event riders won't want to buy four different coloured helmets, so i don't think they'll have any option" said Hudson glumly.

Editor's Note:  What do you think?  Are the new helmet covers a good idea or not?  As ever or Viewpoint page is open for your comments on this or any other cycle speedway topic.