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BRITISH FINALS WEEKEND
FINAL DRAWS
No fewer than six riders will make their British final debut at Poole tomorrow, making it the biggest input of 'freshers' for years. They are Andy Angell, Josh Brooke, Thomas Haddock, Rob Hunt, Aaron Lowey and Chris Timms. Two of the favourites, Marcus Wadhams and Daniel Pike, have favourable two inners draws.
Final
1 Mark Boaler, 2 Craig Marchant, 3 Andrew Angell, 4 Russ Evans, 5 Aaron Lowey, 6 Josh Brooke, 7 Steve Harris, 8 Lee Aris, 9 Gavin Wheeler, 10 Chris Timms, 11 Terry Norman, 12 Rob Hunt, 13 Marcus Wadhams, 14 Adam Peck, 15 Daniel Pike, 16 Thomas Haddock R1 David Carmichael, R2 Lee Smith
Everything seems to be going for semi-final winners Robbie Venson and Thomas Reed, both of whom have two inners.
Under-16 Final
1 Carl Jarvis, 2 Paul Heard, 3 Daniel Osborne, 4 Marcus Szyszlk, 5 Matthew Beharrell, 6 Matthew Smith, 7 James Day, 8 Ben Higham, 9 Dayle Peace, 10 Jake Williams, 11 Ben Collins, 12 Michael Carmichael, 13 Robbie Venson, 14 Ben Mould, 15 Sam Hearn, 16 Thomas Reed, R1 Richard Hayes, R2 Daniel Chambers
CAUTIOUS APPROACH - posted 24 August 2008
Some of the country's top riders are becoming increasingly cautious about this afternoon's qualifying rounds at Poole and Southampton. In order to reduce fields to a manageable 16, riders will have to go through a series of races, known as the Perkins formula - and some riders are not relishing the challenge.
"We don't use this system much in senior racing" said one leading rider. "You have to win a race to qualify. It's all sudden death stuff. The longer it gioes on the more scary it gets. I have a really tough gate four in my first ride and to be honest, I'm not looking foward to it!"
Despite it's immediacy, the formula, named after Mel Perkins who designed it, usually sorts the wheat out from the chaff - and produces some nerve-racking races toward the end.
WEATHER COULD PLAY A PART - posted 24 August 2008
The weather could play a key role in determining who makes tomorrow British final at Poole. Persistent early morning rain will make conditions difficult for the country's top racers as they battle for a place in tomorrow's final.
The poor conditions will add to some riders' anxieties as they attempt to negoitate the sudden-death knockout stages where one slip on a wet grid could be the difference between success and failure.
PRIZE LIST CONFIRMED - posted 23 August 2008
A thousand pounds worth of cash prizes will be up for grabs at the finals weekend after all. There was mounting speculation that the winners' prizes and race primes may be trimmed down. But following concerns expressed in spokesman-online last week, British Cycling today confirmed in the tournament programme that the awards will be made.
Each semi-final race winner will receive a fiver and if riders make Monday's final, they will pocket £15 for every race win. In addition there will be cash prizes for the five top placed riders - the winner receiving £200, second £120, third £80, 4th fourth £60 and fifth £40.
CONFIDENT JESS READY FOR THE CHALLENGE - posted 23 August 2008
British Women's champion Jess Lamb is determined to retain her national title
As her home track at Baiter Park was bathed in early morning sunlight, Jess was putting the final touches to her preparation for the defence of her title later this afternoon. But she knows she has a real fight on her hands.
"I think you'll find it will be between five riders this afternoon - me, Rachel Edge, Amy Crouch, Lucy Whitehead and Lauren Jacobs. I am starting to get a bit nervous now but I am confident of winning" Jess told spokesman-online.
This afternoon's final, which begins at 3pm, promises to be a cracker.
Meanwhile some of the youngsters contesting the under-10s title have already arrived in the car park. This will be a huge day for many of them, one they will remember all their lives. Their event gets underway in five hours time - at 12.30pm. Judging by the discussion in the hotel last evening, Newport's James Robinson seems most people's favourite.
It's a glorious day here at Poole - why not come along to Baiter and see what promises to be a fabulous day's racing.
MAKE TIME FOR A PINT - posted 20 August 2008
The British finals weekend is about more than just the racing. There is usually a busy social scene as well. With weather forecasters promising a glorious weekend, no doubt the numerous pubs on Poole Quay will be the centre of attraction on Saturday evening!
The traditional Sunday evening get-together, including the all important draw, takes place in the function suite of Poole Speedway Stadium. The irrespressible Rob Sensicall will be providing the music between 7.30 and midnight - before hosting Monday's events at Baiter.
GOOD NEWS FOR POOLE - posted 19 August 2008
Britain will basking in bank holiday sunshine forecasters said earlier today. As we near the end of the wettest August for almost a century, temperatures this weekend could reach 27C - which will be music to the ears of Poole cycle speedway club, promoters of this year's national championships. It will be hotter than average in the South with "extremely pleasant and warm conditions" said the Met Office.
TRACK DIRECTIONS - posted 19 August 2008
For those people travelling to Poole this weekend for the British Finals and require a "Sat Nav" location, the post code is BH15 IUZ.
EATING OUT THIS WEEKEND - THEN READ ON - posted 19 August 2008
"Eating out for a whole weekend? £3 pounds a beer, £6 breakfast, £8 lunch - it all adds up !!
The Bay Leaf cafe in Poole, run by local rider Chris Shylock and his wife Iza, will be welcoming all travelling riders and families over the Bank Holiday weekend. The cafe is located just two miles from the track and is open every day.
"We will be very pleased to accommodate anyone associated with the finals weekend" said proprietor Chris Shylock. "Look out for promotional discount leaflets at the Harbourside track offering discounts on our menu. If you are staying in a local hotel, B&B or camping then we know food bills get expensive when you eat out and this could be an ideal way for setting your self up for a full day of spectating or riding.
"We will be running special offers which will include a typical cafe menu of English, grilled or veggie breakfasts, panninis, jacket potatoes, omelettes and baps etc. There will also be a varied lunch menu like fish and chips, lasagna, curries etc and we are licensed for alcohol too. If you organise with us in advance, then we can look after any special requests that you might have. But most importantly when you pop in, mention the cycle speedway finals weekend to our staff and we will offer you a generous discount across the menu.
"You can contact us at if you have any questions or to let us know you might be coming. On the day just type BH14 9HU (193 Bournemouth Road) into your SatNav."
DOUBTS OVER PRIZE FUND - posted 19 August 2008
With less than three days to go before the start of the British Finals Weekend, there is growing uncertainty over the riders' prize fund.
For close on 20 years, competing riders in the senior event have shared £1,000 in awards and race primes, based on performance. Now there's mounting speculation that the fund will be cut or worse still discontinued altogether this year.
In the past each race winner received a cash prize, ten pounds for winning a race in the final and a fiver for each qualifying race. In addition the top three riders overall won £100, £60 and £40 respectively.
It appears that British Cycling has yet to announce its plans for the weekend. None of the riders we spoke to at the Club Championship on Saturday had any knowledge of the prize fund. When asked, Poole organiser Pete Barnes said that he thought there would be cash prizes but didn't know the details.
Last Thursday we asked British Cycling the question. So far we have not had a reply - which in itself is unusual. Let's hope that cycle speedway's top brass are not taking the 'new style' championship as an opportunity to cut back on the budget. That would be a great shame, especially at at time when British Cycling have pointed out that hotel accommodation in Poole can cost between £79.97 and £105.95 a night.
Against that backdrop, £20 for each race win in the final and £10 for each semi win sounds very reasonable.
CROUCH READY FOR THE CHALLENGE - posted 19 August 2008
Leicester racer Amy Crouch has the weight of expection on her shoulders as she goes for two medals on Saturday. Not only is she favourite to land the girls (under-16 title) but current form suggests she could even do the double!
She has been going really well in training and in meetings. Any thoughts of a premature retirement, which was considered earlier in the season, have long gone. Now quiet and unassuming Amy simply can't wait for the weekend to come.
She travelled down to Poole on 3 August, obstensively to look at the track and have a go round after the meeting. Unexpectedly she was brought in as reserve in the Combination match and had two great tussels with Jessica Lamb,each winning a race apiece. More importantly she got used to the track.
While the girls' title is bound to be her number one priority, Dad Phil, thinks Amy could do equally well in the women's section.
"I think Amy can do really well in the Womens and and I know she really looking forward to the 23rd, Her confidence is high at the moment after winning a gold in the Women's team with Leicester" Crouch senior told spokesman-online.
"All I know that on the 23rd it's going to be a cracker with the likes of Lucy, Jess, Rachael, Lauren and Amy all competing for that coverted top spot."
The Women's title chase promises to be the best yet. The action starts at 3pm at Baiter on Saturday. Don't whatever you do miss it!
THE HISTORY MEN - posted 18 August 2008
All eyes will be on two riders at this weekend's British finals - for very different reasons. The pair stand poised to make history, ready to etch their names indelibly in cycle speedway folklore.
No rider has ever won three back-to-back victorious. No rider has ever made 19 finals. That's exactly the challenge facing cycle speedway legends Lee Aris and Steve Harris.
Only three riders have ever successfully defended the national title, Kevin Greenhalgh, Dave Hemsley and Aris. Now the Wednesfield star stands poised to make it a hat-trick. It's a burden that will put him under enormous pressure but one Aris will relish. By his own high standards, Aris has not enjoyed the best of seasons, indeed his indifferent performance in Sunday's Premier League match at Leicester will not fill him with confidence as he faces his biggest ever challenge.
Still Aris, who has been a model champion this past two seasons, knows what it's all about. Somehow, irrespective of form, he always ups his game for the nationals. Whether he can do that again this year remains to be seen. For certain his nearest challengers have spotted a chink in his armour. They no longer see him as invincible and are prepared to take him on. It's building up to a fascinating weekend.
Meanwhile while Aris contemplates his destinty, another will be going all out for a place in the final - and a page in the history books. One more appearance will see the remarkable Steve Harris pass the seemingly unobtainable record of 18 finals held by the great Derek Garnett. And if Harris pulls it off what a magnificent achievement that would be.
Harris is simply remarkable. Only last month he was Britain's best rider in the European championships in Poland - a stunning achievement for a 40 year old in a young man's game. Like Aris, Harris is a big match rider, always capable of conjuring up a magical moment. Few would deny popular Harris his 19th final. We don't often see a standing ovation in cycle speedway but if he makes the pre-match parade at Poole on Bank Holiday Monday, surely everyone will be on their feet.
UNDER-16 CLASSIC IN PROSPECT - posted 18 August 2008
The 2007 under 16-final at Ipswich was a cracker but this year's event at Poole could be even better.
Already the drama is unfolding with the news that defending champion Carl Jarvis is far from fit. Mix in the fact that pre-match favourite Thomas Reed will be racing in front of his home crowd, stir in a generous helping of young pretenders all keen to make their mark and you have all the ingredients for a classic final.
No fewer than seven of last year's finalists are back for another bite of the cherry - such is the pedigree. Most have come through the BY&JL route, so know each others strengths and weaknesses only too well.
Ben Mould finished third last time round and will be hoping to improve on his bronze, Sandwell's Paul Heard is a much better racer twelve months on, and Mark Carmichael is bound to be in the mix together with Wednesfield's fast improving Dayle Peace. And how good it would be to see young Chris Dyson make his third successive final after travelling South from his Lancashire home.
And of course several first timers will be out to impress including former under-13 national champions Matt Beharrell and Matthew Mildon and medallists Daniel Chambers, Joshua Colby and Mark Carmichael.
It promises to be a great match!
UNDER-10S GREAT TO WATCH - posted 15 August 2008
The under-10 championship is always great to watch. Even for the most die-hard supporter, it's simply irrestible! Why? Because kids' competition is simply the most honest form of racing you could ever wish to see. The commitment and effort these youngsters put in has to be seen to be believed - not to mention Mum and Dad, each urging their own to do their best and push that little bit harder.
"Well done James, keep pedalling Kylie" - the shouts are unmistakeable.
And of course, under-10s racing is wonderfully unpredictable. One slip, one slide, one wheel touch signals the difference between success and failure. And failure tastes worse than cough medicine when you are only nine!
So who'll do what and who do we look out for? Perhaps the best barometer of form is the British Youth and Junior League which brings together competitors from all corners the country to pit their skills in a frenzied day of racing.
After Nicole Cooke's thrilling victory in the Olympics, Wales will be looking for more gold - in the shape of Newport's James Robinson. The nine-year-old, who finished just short of the medals last season, lives just outside Bristol and has been in sparkling form all season. After winning all four regional qualifying rounds, he came to the nationals with a growing reputation - and didn't disappoint, taking the Bury round by storm.
But things didn't quite go his way at Southampton when, in appalling conditions, young James was pipped at the post by Great Blakenham's Phillip Day who must present the main threat at Poole. Day, together with team-mate Michael Blackwell who is also expected to be in the running, are products of Great Blakenham's highly successful junior development scheme. Club coaches Jason Pratt and Paul Brinkhoff are doing a sterling job, bringing on a new string of under-16s - as the performance of Blackwell and Day will no doubt testify.
The North's biggest hope rests with Adam Phillips from the Astley & Tyldesley club. Like James Robinson, Phillips went through the card unbeaten in the regional qualifiers and has continued to shine at national level. Son of former star Lee Phillips, Adam was second at Bury and finished a creditable fourth at Southampton, so he must be there or thereabouts.
Not only have the Midlands seen the birth of new club Bretford but they have unearthed a predigious young talent in Lee Kemp. Again Kemp, like Phillips and Robinson before him, was in unbeatable form in the Midland qualifiers and has certainly made his mark in the national grades, a fourth place in the first national round confirming his obvious potential.
The championship has attracted a healthy entry of 25 youngsters which augurs well for the future of the sport.
One final thought. For three of the past four years, the gold medal has gone to a lad named Matthew (Beharrell, Mildon, Haddock), surely a good omen for the only Matthew in the field, Matthew Pope of Poole.
WOMEN'S CLASH EAGERLY AWAITED - posted 15 August 2008
Since it was introduced two years ago, the women's national individual championship has been dominated by two remarkable riders.
Reigning, or should it be raining, champion Jessica Lamb won the title in appalling conditions at Oxford last season when a powerful and gritty performance saw her decimate a quality field to take the title in style - with a perfect 20 point maximum. Still smarting after that defeat, former champion Lucy Whitehead is determined to regain her crown. Having won the inaugural championship at Leicester in 2006, she was bitterly disappointed to lose out last year, has been practising hard and is favoured by a dream number 15 draw.
It promises to be some race when the big two go head to head in heat 16.
While the Lamb/Whitehead clash will be one of the most keenly anticipated races of the season, two other outstanding competitors, Lauren Jacobs and Rachel Edge, shouldn't be overlooked. Both have featured prominantly in previous finals, Rachel taking the silver in 2006 and Lauren winning back to back bronzes. Both girls have the right pedigree, both are in top form and both look capable of toppling the two favourites.
Now equipped on a brand new bike, compliments of sponsor Archie Wilkinson Frames, Rachel impressed on her recent visit to Baiter Park, passing several of Pooles top junior riders in style, which will give her confidence for her outside grids. Quiet Lauren Jacobs has the ability to land gold. The Ipswich racer has twice finished on the rostrum and looks well capable of improving on her collection of bronzes. She recently beat the quick Amy Crouch in the Ladies Club finals, has a favourable two insides draw and could go close, very close.
Although overshadowed by her more illustrious team mate Lucy Whitehead, young Amy Crouch has come on leaps and bounds this season. She finished just a point short of the rostrum in 2006. Unfortunately family holiday commitments prevented her from taking part in last year's championship, so she'll be back with avengence. By all accounts Crouch has been beating Whitehead regularly and, according to one insider, "looks the stronger of the two girls."
Fast gating Crouch is also expected to do well in the integral under-16 girls championship where she starts as odd-on favourite but faces stiff opposition from Charlie Ellitts (Wednesfield), Michelle Whitehead (Leicester), Tiffany Collins (Hethersett) and Charlie-Jane Herbert (Exeter).
Defending champion Jess Lamb will be under enormous pressure to retain her title. Already one of the most popular girls on the women's circuit, she'll be racing in front of her own partisan supporters, which will undoubtedly add to the pressure. In fact, there are already signs that the pressure is starting to tell. When spokesman-online caught up with Jess earlier in the week, she seemed unusually reticent, keen to play down her chances.
"All I can say really is that it's the strongest field so far. I think me and Lucy will need to be as fit as we can to hold off the likes of Amy Crouch, Rachel Edge and Lauren Jacobs this year. It's going to be a great day for me racing in front of so many friends and family."
The final at Poole presents women's racing with a wonderful show case in front of a packed arena - a unique opportunity for the ladies to show off their skills and competitiveness. A bumper crowd is expected for the 3pm final.
We're looking forward to it enormously. Bet you are too!
TRAVEL WARNING - posted 13 August 2008
Riders, officials and supporters are advised to bear in mind the holiday traffic conditions during their travel to the South Coast for the British Finals weekend events. At present there are major road works in the region of Southampton. For further advice contact the AA or the Road Ahead sites on the internet.
DIFFICULT YEAR FOR DEFENDING UNDER-16 CHAMPION - posted 13 August 2008
Defending British under-16 champion Carl Jarvis has had a difficult season. Beset by a debilitating illness, he has only ridden a handful of matches all season.
Even he would admit he is not yet back to his best. With the likes of Tom Reed, Paul Heard and Co breathing down his neck and with little match practice under his belt, popular Jarvis will do well to make the rostrum, let alone retain his title.
"This season hasn't gone all that well for me" Jarvis told spokesman-online. "I have been hit by illness and only done about 10 matches. To make it worse when I thought it was all going well, it came back and stopped me riding again! Coming into the under-16's any result is good for me. I honestly didn't think I'd be able to ride at one point, so just to get to the final is the goal for me.
"I can see the people who are going to be 'trouble' for me, if that's that word to use, but it's the same every year. You can see the people who are going to be there or thereabouts. I'd like to be in there, but being realistic any place in the final would be a real personal achievement for me.
"I guess Tom Reed must start as favourite, but riders like Paul Heard, Dayle Peace and Ben Mould will be pushing hard. Daniel Osborne, Mark Carmichael and my team mate Robbie Venson could surprise a few as well.
"Looking forward, first of all I want my Premier League place back at Leicester. I lost it when I was ill and haven't got back in yet. It's hard in the PL but I think it makes you learn quickly.
"Onto next year, I hope to be up to full fitness for the World championships in Australia. I want to do my best for the team and hopefully
get to the individual final again and improve a bit on my position at Poole last year" he added.
RIDERS GEAR UP FOR BANK HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA - posted 11 August 2008
As August races away towards the Bank Holiday, all thoughts will be turning to the 'new look' British finals weekend, hosted this year on the South-Coast by Poole and Southampton cycle speedway clubs.
The excitement has been ratched up with the unveiling of the weekend programme and publication of the draws for the four individual championships being staged over the weekend.
Saturday's action centres on Baiter Park which will host both the Women's and under-10s events. Southampton enter the fray on Sunday when they, together with Poole, stage the qualifying rounds and semi finals of the individual. Then on Monday, the action returns to Baiter Park for the finals of the under-16 and individual championship.
Healthy Entry in Under-10s
Under-10 racing, by its sheer endeavour and commitment, is always good to watch. This year's championship has attracted a healthy entry of 25 riders, only four of whom (James Robinson, Adam Phillips, James Chattin and James Harriman) completed in last year's final at Newport, so this year's final promises to be one of the most open and exciting ever. The full draw is:
British Under-10 Individual Championship, Saturday 23 August 2008 at Poole
Twenty-five entries received, requiring a pre-qualifier at 12.30pm, with the final following at 4:30 pm. Those riders denoted by an asterisk are eligible for the integral girls championship.
1 Aaron Dennis (Poole), 2 Philip Day (Great Blakenham), 3 Charlotte Cox* (Weymouth), 4 Liam Eagles (Wednesfield) 5 Ashley Pope (Poole), 6 Harry Ryan (Poole), 7 James Clanfield (Poole), 8 Marco Cooper (Horspath), 9 Lee Kemp (Bretford), 10 Libby Knights* (Ipswich), 11 Jae Dennis (Poole), 12 James Robinson (Newport), 13 Adam Phillips (Astley & Tyldesley), 14 Jack Herbert (Exeter), 15 Will Tidball (Exeter) 16 Matthew Pope (Poole), 17 Michael Blackwell (Great Blakenham), 18 Holly Morgan* (Poole), 19 Alex Purslove (Weymouth), 20 Adam Bennett (Newport), 21 Adam Watson (Astley & Tyldesley), 22 James Chattin (Sandwell), 23 Niall Instone (Poole), 24 James Harriman (Wednesfield), 25 Luke Whitehead (Leicester)
Women Stars Back for More
No fewer than 12 of last year's Women finalists return - which is surprising after the horrendous weather they had to endure at Horspath last season. Leading protaganists, defending champion Jessica Lamb and national number two Lucy Whitehead, are expected to set the pace ahead of Lauren Jacobs and Rachel Edge. How good to see Laura Watson making the long trip South from her Manchester home to contest the integral under-16 championship. The draw is:-
British Women's Individual Championship, Saturday 23 August 2008 at Poole
Sixteen entries received; this will be a straight final commencing at 3:00 pm. Those riders denoted by an asterisk are eligible for the integral Under-16 championship.
1 Tiffany Collins* (Hethersett), 2 Jenna Whitehead (Leicester), 3 Rosie Woollard* (Ipswich), 4 Michelle Whitehead* (Leicester), 5 Carly Grimes* (Hethersett), 6 Jessica Lamb (Poole), 7 Laura Watson* (Astley & Tyldesley), 8 Rachel Edge Horspath), 9 Amy Crouch* Leicester), 10 Natalie Timms (Wednesfield), 11 Charlie Ellitts* (Wednesfield), 12 Rebecca Davies* (Newport), 13 Laura Dale* (Ipswich), 14 Charlie-Jane Herbert* (Exeter), 15 Lucy Whitehead (Leicester), 16 Lauren Jacobs (Ipswich)
Under-16s Promises to be Cracker
The under-16s promises to be a cracker. Like Poole's famous candy-striped rock, it has quality stamped right through it. After his impressive display at Ipswich 12 months ago, Carl Jarvis would have been thought of as favourite but the popular Leicester rider has been dogged with illness this year and there's a giant-sized question mark hovering over his fitness. On paper Exeter-based Tom Reed will probably start as favourite on a track he knows so well from his Premier League spell with Poole. Ben Mould, now racing in the colours of Filton, will be looking to improve on the bronze medal he won last year. Watch out too for a bevy of promising youngsters making their way through the age-grades including last year's finalists Chris Dyson, Dayle Peace, Mark Carmichael and the very talented Paul Heard. The draw is:-
British Under-16 Individual Championship, Sunday 24 August at Poole and Southampton
Twenty-nine entries received, requiring two semi-finals, taking place at 2:30 pm at Poole and Southampton tracks. The first eight from each semi-final will qualify for the final to be held at 12 noon on Monday 25 August at Poole. Entries for the remaining places will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
2:30 pm at Poole
1 George Solomon (Norwich), 2 Thomas Reed (Exeter), 3 Chris Dyson (Bury), 4 Arron Morgan (Poole), 5 Marcus Szyszlyk (Great Blakenham), 6 Dayle Peace (Wednesfield), 7 Richard Hayes (Southampton), 8 Jake Williams (Poole), 9 Aidan Hedgecock (Poole), 10 Ben Collins (Hethersett), 11 Carl Jarvis (Leicester), 12 Joshua Colby (Norwich), 13 Matthew Smith (Sandwell), 14 Matthew Beharrell (Hull), 15 vacant, 16 vacant
2:30 pm at Southampton
1 Paul Heard (Sandwell), 2 James Day (Great Blakenham), 3 Daniel Chambers (Hethersett), 4 Samuel Dart (Exeter), 5 Mark Carmichael (Horspath), 6 Daniel Osborne (Great Blakenham), 7 Ben Mould (Filton), 8 Robbie Venson (Leicester), 9 Matthew Mildon (Poole), 10 Ben Higham (Stockport 2006), 11 Sam Hearn (Poole), 12 Andrew Turnbull (Great Blakenham), 13 Jake Hogan (Leicester), 14 Aaron Hughes (East Newport), 15 Matt Elston (Poole), 16 vacant
Lowest Ever Entry
And finally we come to the seniors. An entry of just 41, believed to be the lowest on record, is disappointing given the new style format that was expected to improve both quality and quantity. Surprisingly and disappointingly , several stars from last year's final are missing, including bronze medalist and always exciting Lewis Bates and one of the sport's brightest prospects, fourth ranked Jono Birks.
The field is split into two pools, one at Poole and the other at Southampton, all eager to grab one of the coveted 16 places in Monday's grand final. In terms of competitiveness, the two rounds are evenly matched with six finalists from 2007 at each of the venues. But when it comes to experience, the Southampton round wins hands down. Between them, the 21 strong field boast 70 final appearances compared to the modest 18 finals shared by the Poole entry.
Every year, two or three riders make their debut appearances - and this year promises to be no exeption. Still reeling from his stellar performance in the European junior championship, Joshua Brooke would be extremely disappointed if his missed the cut. In form Andy Angell, star of this year's Home International, also has the ability and drive to make the last 16 and look to good performances from newly crowned national under-19 champion Chris Timms, Lee Smith and Tom Colling.
The championship draw is:-
British Open Individual Champiosnhip, Sunday 24 August 2008 at poole and Southampton
Forty-one entries received. Entrants are drawn into two pools, one of 20 riders at Poole and one of 21 riders at Southampton. Each pool will contest a pre-qualifier at 1:00 pm, with the 16 qualifiers contesting a semi-final at the same track at 4:00 pm. The first eight from each semi-final will qualify for the final to be held at 3.00pm on Monday 25 August at Poole.
1:00 pm at Poole
1 Craig Marchant (Leicester), 2 Marcus Wadhams (Birmingham), 3 Ryan Hughes (East Newport), 4 Chris Timms (Birmingham), 5 Robert Hunt (Horspath), 6 Mark Boaler (Horspath), 7 Chris Jewkes (Wednesfield), 8 Steve Copping (Somersham), 9 Barry Copping (Somersham), 10 Lee Smith (Sandwell), 11 Chris Davies (Filton), 12 Thomas Haddock (Wednesfield), 13 Nicky Whitehead (Leicester), 14 Les Stevens (East London), 15 Neil Hollebon (Hellingly), 16 Daniel Pike (Leicester), 17 Shaun Rudman (Horspath), 18 Ben Donohue (Poole), 19 Mark Winwood (Birmingham), 20 Russ Evans (Sandwell)
1:00 pm at Southampton
1 Chris Osborne (Great Blakenham), 2 David Carmichael (Horspath), 3 Dave Murphy (Poole), 4 Tom Colling (Southampton), 5 Richard Williamson (Norwich), 6 Lewis Osborne (Horspath), 7 Adam Stephenson (Hull), 8 Aaron Lowey (Poole), 9 Chris Shylock (Poole), 10 Norman Venson (Leicester), 11 Terry Norman (Wednesfield), 12 Gary Colby (Norwich), 13 Carl Winwood (Birmingham), 14 John Vernam (Southampton), 15 Lee Aris (Wednesfield), 16 Andrew Angell (Hull), 17 Kevin Lowman (Poole), 18 Steve Harris (Horspath), 19 Adam Peck (Great Blakenham), 20 Gavin Wheeler (Southampton), 21 Joshua Brooke (Great Blakenham)
All the best coverage on spokesman-online
In the days leading up to the Finals Weekend, we'll be bringing you a number of special features and all the latest news and gossip. So keep clicking on spokesman-online.
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