2009 ASHES SERIES

Australia versus Great Britain

Australia's Triumphant Junior Team
Back row from left: Ross Priest, Ty Geertsen, Joel Chadwick, Robert Fitzpatrick, Mick Harley (team manager)
Middle row: Jay Walters, Daniel Bax, Farren Wills, Tony Bax
Front row: Bobby McMillan, Dean Jolly, Cody Chadwick (captain), Matt Mathews (vice captain)

PRIEST IN WORLD BEATING FORM - posted 20 February 2009

Although the outcome of the series was no longer in doubt, both sides contested a hard fought first half with Australia best served by the home based Salisbury trio of Matt Mathews and the Chadwick brothers.

Tom Reed and Lee Smith headed the visitors' scorechart in the early heats and at the interval stage Australia held a slim four point margin. After a drawn heat ten, the young Aussies turned up the pressure and took the major placings in seven of the remaining heats. Although the visitors failed to produce a heat winner Jazz Abbott at last showed his true potential whilst Ross Priest must now be favourite to capture the World Junior individual crown.
 
Australia 102
Cody Chadwick 15+2, Joel Chadwick 14, Ross Priest 17+1, Robert Fitzpatrick 13, Matt Matthews 18, Ty Geertsen 15, Dean Jolly 4, Bobby McMillen 6
Great Britain 77
Tom Reed 11+2, Paul Heard 9+1, Lee Smith 11+1, Jazz Abbott 12+2, Ben Mould 6+1, Jamie Brown 11, Sam Hearn 7+2, Carl Jarvis  10
Australia win series four matches to one

GB JUNIORS IN THE GROOVE - posted 18 February 2009

With both managers opting to make changes to their line ups, one would have thought the outcome of the series had still to be decided. The vocal support for both teams added to the excellent presentation of the meeting and whatever words Lee Aris and Ian Brown said to their squad behind "closed doors" prior to the start it certainly produced the desired impact.

A tactical first half from both teams,with Ross Priest, Paul Heard and Lee Smith impressive for their respective sides, saw a 43 - 43 scoreline at the interval stage.  But heat thirteen was not unlucky for the visitors as Heard and Thomas Reed made the breakthrough and rode to maximum points after Ty Geertsen was deemed guilty of a tapes infringement.

This was followed by a 6 - 4 from Sam Hearn and Ben Mould and the Lions sensed victory. Joel Chadwick then halted the advantage with a well taken start to finish win but two further heat wins from the Reed / Ben Collins partnership and Smith / Jamie Brown pairing put the result in no doubt entering the final race. An excellent advert for the sport from sixteen of the worlds best junior competitors.

JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

Australia 81
Ross Priest 14+1, Daniel Bax 10, Joel Chadwick, Dean Jolly 10, Matt Mathews 11, Ty Geertsen 14, Tony Bax 3+1, Jay Walters 3
Great Britain 93
Tom Reed 13+2, Paul Heard 17, Lee Smith 18, Ben Collins 7, Ben Mould 11+1, Jamie Brown 11+2, Dayle Peace 3+1, Sam Hearn 13+1
Australia lead three-one in five match series

Jubilant Australia team manager Rob Fleming proudly holds the Ashes trophy, the Harley/Witham Shield, after the Aussies defeated Team GB by three matches to nil.  Now Rob speaks exclusively to spokesman-online and reveals the secrets behind Australia's success, including how the 2009 series almost didn't take place in the first place.

WINNING TEAM MANAGER TALKS TO SPOKESMAN-ONLINE - posted 16 February 2009

Australia's national team manager Robert Fleming was ecstatic at his team's outstanding performance in winning the Ashes Test series, white-washing the Poms by three rubbers to nil.  spokesman-online caught up with Robert at his Adelaide home to bring you this exclusive interview.

"First of all on behalf of Paul White and the senior Australian cycle speedway team,I would like to thank Dave Murphy and the Great Britain team for a great battle on the track and the oppurtunity for us to ride against a great GB team.  It was a big challenge for the Aussie team to ride against a high profile team full of great riders such as Lee Aris and Gavin Wheeler.

It was a good battle in all the Test matches, with the Aussies just getting over the line in the last two.  I think the first test match flattered us Aussies due to the GB team exclusions and a DNF.  Also I think we caught the GB team off-guard in the first test match with only two profiled riders, a couple of international debutants and four junior riders.

Captain Daniel Pudney and vice-captain Brad Hoppo's two years away, riding in England, really helped us set up tactics and pairings.  Their leadership really rubbed off on the whole team.  Their inside knowledge of riders helped our cause, picking a reliable top gating team for our first two tests.
 
Our juniors Cody Chadwick, Ross Priest, Robert Fitzpatrick, Brad Gentle, Matt Mathews and young gun Ty Geertsen all stood up to the pressure of big time racing and the stronger GB side.  These guys should be future stars in this sport.  There isn't enough words to describe Cameron Crisp, Ryan Edson and Daniel Thompson's commitment.  Their training ethic and 100% putting it in when it counts and doing the task asked of them, really impressed in their first time racing for Australia senior team.       

For a while it looked like there was not going to be a senior test series which would have been a shame.  I think the senior is the pinnacle of our sport.  We should encourage older riders to stay with it.  Then we got the nod and in nine months started training and preparing for the tour.  We read the names on the GB list and that gave us a big under dog rating in our minds.  We used it for motivation.  Nine solid months of fitness, track work and Aussie guts and determination is what got us over line.

The teams 100% commitment to the team and themselves delivered the 3-0 score line which seemed impossible in the beginning.  Paul White and myself can't thank the boys enough on their effort.  Well done men!

Lastly I would like to comment on the controversy about the refereeing on of the matches. There were two teams out on the track busting their guts, going into battle for their countries and not a mention of how good and brutal the matches were.  Both sides got exclusions at critical times of the matches.  As riders, we learn to take it on the chin.  We are rivals on the track but we still have a beer after it and good chat.

It should be about the racing and not about people abusing the person in the middle. It's easy to sit back and slag off on the referee on the outside of the track.  I say grab whistle and get out there and have a go yourselves and see how people like the way you call a match.

Thank you Spokesman for the opportunity to write a piece and putting it on your web site" concluded Robert Fleming.

 MAXI-MAN PUDNEY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE - posted 15 February 2009

With the series result not in question Australia opted to re call Brad Hoppo and give Brad Gentle his first outing whilst Dave Murphy brought in Leigh Cossey and Lewis Osborne to replace Craig Marchant and Daniel Pike.

From the start it became very obvious that Murphy had "fired up" his squad and despite an early set back when Gavin Wheeler was deemed to have "legged" an opponent, the Lions had five heat winners, including two from Jono Birks. But unfortunately, for various reasons, they could not gain the all important minor placings and at half time Australia had a five point advantage.

Lewis Osborne, with eight valuable points to his credit, then received a tape exclusion in heat twelve and despite the efforts from Steve Harris the Australia pairing of Ty Geertsen and Ryan Edson took the major placings to go twelve points up.  But the match was not over as the visitors clawed back the deficit with three maximum heat wins to enter  the final heat just two points down.
,
Although Aris and Wheeler had the favoured inside gate positions Daniel Pudney reeled off his fifth win of the afternoon to snatch victory for Australia. Full credit is due to both sides and congratulations must be extended to the Salisbury club for an excellent promotion.
 
Australia 89
Ryan Edson 10+2, Ty Geertsen 15, Daniel Pudney 20, Brad Hoppo 7, Daniel Thompson 11+2, Cameron Crisp 10+2, Matt Matthews 9+1, Brad Gentle 7+1
 
Great Britain 87
Chris Jewkes 13+3, Lee Aris 16+1, Steve Harris 11, Lewis Osborne 14+1, Gavin Wheeler 9, Jono Birks 17+1, Leigh Cossey 6, Mark Winwood 1

Australia win the Ashes series by three matches to nil.

Action from today's third and final test at Salisbury

AUSSIES TOO STRONG FOR GRITTY JUNIORS - posted 15 February 2009

Both team managers made changes to their line up in the vital third Junior Test match at Salisbury this afternoon. Australian manager Mick Harley replaced Farren Wills with Daniel Bax whilst Great Britain brought in Dayle Peace and Ben Collins at the expense of Sam Hearn and Carl Jarvis reports Pete Barnes.

Although Thomas Reed and Paul Heard gained a good  5 - 5  result from the outside gate positions in the opening heat, the strength in depth of the home squad saw them produce five maximum heat wins leading up to the interval stage. The Chadwick brothers,on their home race circuit, combined with Ross Priest and Robert Fitzpatrick to cause the major damage.

Starting the second half eighteen points down the young Lions hit back with a 6 - 4 heat advantage but the home squad were content to sit on their points margin but praise is due to both Lee Smith and Ben Mould for improved performances. Although the outcome of the series is no longer in doubt, the grit and determination of the visitors will hopefully gain better scorelines in the remaining two matches. However
the Young Australians deserved their series victory.

Australia Juniors 102
Cody Chadwick 13+1, Joel Chadwick 14+2, Ross Priest 14+3, Robert Fitzpatrick 18+1, Matt Matthews 10, Ty Geertsen 16, Daniel Bax 8, Bobby McMillen 9

Great Britain Juniors 78
Thomas Reed 10+4, Paul Heard 12, Jamie Brown 7+2, Ben Mould 14, Jazz Abbott  8+1, Dayle Peace 6, Ben Collins 8, Lee Smith 13

Australia lead three-nil in the five match series.

Action from today's junior third test at Salisbury.  More pics to follow soon.

EXCLUSIONS AGAIN PROVE COSTLY AS AUSTRALIA TAKE SECOND TEST AND ASHES SERIES - posted 14 February 2009

With a victory needed to save the series, Great Britain manager Dave Murphy included Mark Winwood at the expense of Lewis Osborne and made the brave decision to track Gavin Wheeler and Lee Aris as his third pairing.  The home management opted to select Sheffield bound Ryan Edson in favour of the vastly experienced Brad Hoppo.

Australia provided the winners in the first three heats and with Aris gaining a tape exclusion, the margin extended to five points. Although Ty Geertsen and Cameron Crisp added further wins the superior tactics of the visitors reduced the scoreline to 45 - 44 at the interval.

Despite a maximum score reversal in heat ten, the Aris and Wheeler pairing struck in the following heat and were sat on a 7 - 2, after Cody Chadwick had gained a gate exclusion, but, to the utter disbelieve of many, Wheeler was given an exclusion for "slowing down" the race.

Although Murphy made shrewd use of his reserves, a further tape exclusion, this time to Daniel Pike, when off the favoured inside gate positions, cost Great Britain the opportunity to take the lead. With two points separating the teams, Australia just needed a drawn heat to take the series. But Great Britain had other ideas as Pike and Wheeler settled on a 6 - 4 and were almost home and dry when former World champion Daniel Pudney showed he has lost none of his ability when he passed Pike on the last corner to capture the
"Ashes".

Australia 88
Ryan Edson 8+1, Ty Geertsen 13+1, Daniel Pudney 18, Cody Chadwick 8+1, Cameron Crisp 14, Ross Priest 13+1, Robert Fitzpatrick 7, Daniel Thompson 6
Great Britain 86
Chris Jewkes 14+1, Mark Winwood 2+1, Steve Harris 12+3, Craig Marchant 12, Gavin Wheeler 10+1, Lee Aris 12, Jono Birks 14+2, Daniel Pike 10

Pics from today's second Test at LeFevre

GB JUNIORS WILT AFTER SOLID START - posted 14 February 2009

For the second Junior Test match at Le Fevre, Australian manager Mick Harley made a reserve change with Bobby McMillen replacing Daniel Bax whilst the Great Britain management opted to track an unchanged squad.

With an additional training session the day prior, the visitors looked sharp during the early heats with Thomas Reed and Lee Smith producing the form they are capable of.  For the home side Cody Chadwick and Ty Geertsen again proved to be a thorn in the GB side.

Seven of the first half races resulted in drawn heats and at the interval stage the scoreline of 47 - 43 suggested that Great Britain were in a good position to square the series.  However disaster struck when the Australians hammered home three impressive heat wins in succession and opened up a 14 point lead.

From then on only Reed and Paul Heard could gain heat wins whilst Ross Priest and Robert Fitzpatrick again indicated a successful future if they continue in the sport. Maybe Salisbury tomorrow will see the fortunes reversed but on a final note it was good to see four riders complete all eighteen heats. 

Australia Juniors 101
Cody Chadwick 13+1, Joel Chadwick 13+2, Ross Priest 12+2, Robert Fitzpatrick 15, Matt Matthews 14+1,Ty Geertsen 17+1, Farren Wills 7+1, Bobby McMillan 10
Great Britain Juniors 79
Tom Reed 15+1, Paul Heard 11, Jamie Brown 9+1, Ben Mould 9+1, Lee Smith 15, Carl Jarvis 9, Sam Hearn 5, Jazz Abbott 6

ACTION FROM THE JUNIOR TESTS - posted 14 February 2009

SLEEPLESS NIGHT FOR MURPHY - posted 13 February

Great Britain team manager Dave Murphy faces a restless night as he juggles his team ahead of tomorrow's all-important Test match with Australia.  After going down one-nil in the three match series, Murphy knows he and his riders cannot afford to slip up again.

Troubled Murphy must decide whether to bring in Leigh Cossey and Mark Winwood for their first matches - or rely mainly on the team that struggled in the opening tie.  After turning in an impressive performance from reserve berth, Craig Marchant deserves to keep his place, so it could be Jono Birks or Lewis Osborne who face the chop.

With pressure mounting and facing a "must win" match, Murphy may even be tempted to call British Cycling's headquarters in Manchester to see if he can draft in reserve Marcus Wadhams.

We'll bring you Murphy's selections as soon as we have them.

BIG NAMES FACE TOUGHEST CHALLENGE - posted 13 Febuary 2009

Two of the biggest names in cycle speedway face their toughest challenge tomorrow as Team GB try to level the Ashes Test series.  After losing the opening rubber by 13 points, British champion Gavin Wheeler and former national number one Lee Aris know they must up their game considerably if Great Britain have any hope of squaring the series and taking the tournament into a deciding rubber at Salisbury on Sunday.

Gate exclusions cost the Poms dear in the opening round as Aris and Wheeler could only scramble 20 points between them from ten starts.  If they have another repeat performance at LeFevre tomorrow, there is a distinct possibility that Great Britain will crash to another humiliating defeat - against a team fielding four juniors.

If ever experience counts, it will be at LeFevre tomorrow afternoon.

MISTAKES COST US THE MATCH RUES GB TEAM MANAGER - posted 13 February 2009

Team GB have spent Friday coming to terms with their defeat in the first Test against Australia at Findon, by taking to the track for hastily arranged training session at Le Fevre, which included a frank and open team discsusion between the riders.

As GB senior team manager Dave Murphy told Spokesman-online, "It was clear that mistakes had been made (tape exclusions, mechanical failure, careless team-riding) and the team were all honest enough to acknowledge that they lost the match - as opposed to the Aussies winning it."

He added, "The Australians had the best riders in South Australia at their disposal, including some exciting young riders that have benefitted from the 2007 tour to Europe, and they were always going to provide Team GB with a tough challenge on their 'home' track at Findon. However, the GB team just didn't respond to the challenge in the manner we would have expected."

Murphy summed up his views for Spokesman-online as follows:  "We know what went wrong and we know how to put it right. It's in our hands to ensure that we do just that.  In that respect we have advantage over the Aussies, as they have already given their all and reached their level - Team GB simply have to raise the bar as they go into the final two Test matches."

There were the anticipated views from a number of spectators regarding referee Megan Rufus, who was officiating her first International Test match, but Murphy was quick to reject any claims that Team GB lost because of poor refereeing.

"Megan was consistent and practised what she had said prior to the match" he added.  "I'm not going to get drawn into such debate and the tape exclusions for Aris and Wheeler were justified, although Wheeler's second tape movement was dubious as Daniel Pudney also moved - even by Daniel's own admission afterwards."

"It's now all about the next Test at Le Fevre and a must win situation.  The Lions are ready to roar and the Aussies have now got the worrying to do".

GB JUNIORS STRUGGLE IN OPENING TEST - posted 13 February 2009

Team GB Juniors

Back row (l tor) Lee Aris (manager), Lee Smith, Ben Mould, Carl Jarvis, Paul Heard, Jazz Abbott, Ian Brown (assistant manager)
Bottom Row - Ben Collins, Jamie Brown, Tom Reed, Sam Hearn, Dayle Peace

Perfect weather and a good attendance and the scene was set for the opening fixtures of the tour reports Pete Barnes from Adelaide. 

The Australian squad took an early lead in the Junior Test match and provided the race winner in the  first seven heats and in turn opened up a 17 point advantage. The young Lions had problems adapting to the track conditions and their situation was not helped by three tape exclusions before heat seven.  However Thomas Reed and Sam Hearn then produced a couple of heat wins but at the interval stage Australia were in the driving seat on a 50-35 scoreline. 

Two further maximum heat wins from the Daniel Bax / Ty Geertsen and Ross Priest / Robert Fitzpatrick pairings and the result was not in doubt.  The young Aussies had strength in depth whilst for the visitors only Thomas Reed, Paul Heard and Carl Jarvis could just reach double figures.

A total of seven exclusions did not help the Lions but it is now a case of putting this result behind them and moving forward to the second Test at Le Fevre on Saturday.

Young Australia 104
Cody Chadwick 15+1, Joel Chadwick 8, Ross Priest 18+1, Robert Fitzpatrick 11+3, Matt Matthews 12, Ty Geertsen 17+3 , Farren Wills 10+1, Daniel Bax 13

Young Great Britain 67
Thomas Reed 13+2, Paul Heard 10+1, Jamie Brown 7, Ben Mould 5, Lee Smith 7, Carl Jarvis 11, Sam Hearn 7, Jazz Abbott 7 

AUSSIE JUNIORS STEP UP A GRADE AS TEAM GB SUFFER SURPRISE DEFEAT - posted 13 February 2009

Aussie teenage sensation Ty Geertsen who is proving a real thorn in the Poms' side.

After scoring maximum points in the Junior Test, he stepped up to the senior ranks, scoring 15 points in Australia's surprise victory.

The senior test match saw the Australian management team of Rob Fleming and Paul White include no less
than four of the junior competitors who had competed in the previous event reports Pete Barnes from Adelaide.

Despite a drawn first heat, the visitors suffered two exclusions in the following early heats but despite a maximum score from the Lee Aris and Chris Jewkes pairing plus valuable contributions from reserves Craig Marchant and Jono Birks, the home side still had a two point advantage at half time.

However Aussie determination set in and inspired by a faultless performance from Daniel Pudney they soon extended their lead. Although Aris and Jewkes repeated their maximum heat win, a further two gate exclusions and a machine failure from the all important inside gate position left the visitors unable to make up the deficit. However with a planned excursion on Friday cancelled and replaced with an additional training session, the second tests at Le Fevre on Saturday could see a far different result.

Australia 94
Brad Hoppo 7+1, Ty Geertsen 15, Daniel Pudney 18+2, Cody Chadwick 15+1, Cameron Chrisp 13+2,  Ross Priest 11, Robert Fitzpatrick 11+1, Daniel Thompson 4

Great Britain 81
Daniel Pike 8, Steve Harris 11+2, Lee Aris 11+1, Chris Jewkes 15+1, Gavin Wheeler 9+1, Lewis Osborne 7, Craig Marchant 11, Jono Birks 9   

AUSSIES JUNIORS UP FOR THE FIGHT - posted 8 February 2009

While most of the attention will be on the senior test series, the Aussies are confident of giving the Poms a run for their money in the corresponding five-match junior series.  With the likes of Paul Heard, Carl Jarvis and Thomas Reed in the British ranks, Australia will have their work cut out but team manager Mick Harley predicts the series will be closer than anyone expects.

"I know I have a good team that has been training very hard for the past nine months and I know that the Poms have a great team also, so  it looks like being a very close five test series for the juniors" Harley told spokesman-online.

Members of the Aussie team relaxing ahead of the keenly awaited Ashes junior test series

MEMORY LANE - posted 6 February 2009

THE CLASS OF '88

As we countdown to 12 February and the first Australia versus Great Britain test match, we thought we'd take a look back to yesteryear and the Class of '88.  This tour was special as it was scheduled to coincide with Australia's bi-centennial - 200 years as a nation.  The British Lions retained their unbeaten record, winning all seven tests, their biggest challenge coming in the opening match at Findon where they edged home by 89 points to 86.

How many of the riders do you recognise? 

Back row - (l to r) Andy Barnes, Harry Glover, Roger Farrell, Glynn Whale, Colin Simmons, Rod Witham, John Dyer (Mayor of Glanville), Ian Middleton, Dave Parsons, Danny Zagni, Dave Frith, Pete Young, Martin Hepworth;  Middle row - Dave Murphy, John Bryant, Pete Barnes, Dave Baxter, Martin Gamble, Pete Boxall; Front row - Andre Cross, Nigel Timms, John Murphy, Ray Oliver, Neil Mason, John Walters.

REMEMBERING MILTON - posted 4 February 2009

The late Milton Anderson was a giant of a man in every sense of the word.  Not only a big man in stature as well as spirit, nothing pleased him more than seeing young Aussie riders developing and realising their true potential.  He also had great love for Australia versus Great Britian test matches at all levels.

How fitting then that the Australian CS Council has decided to make a special award in memory of the great man.  The Milton Anderson Memorial Award will be presented to the Most Outstanding Aussie Junior in the five-match Australia v Great Britain series.

How pleased Milton would have been with that.

MURPHY APPLAUDS TEAM GB AHEAD OF AUSSIE TOUR - posted 2 February 2009

The preparation is finished, the training done and the bikes have been honed to perfection.  On Friday evening Team GB fly out of Heathrow bound for Australia and the 2009 Cycle Speedway World Championships.  Team manager Dave Murphy, who is leaving 24 hours in advance of the official party to ensure that everything is in place when they touch down in Adelaide, has been impressed with the squad's commitment and pre-tour training, often carried out in the worst of the winter weather.

spokesman-online caught up with Dave at his Skipton home to ask how the preparation had gone.

"I just want offer my appreciation to all the riders, family members and supporters for their recent efforts in attending the training sessions that we have staged.  In wishing my GB senior squad (and Lee Aris's GB junior squad) all the very best, for a successful series Down Under, I'd like to say sincere thanks to all the riders for the dedication and hard work that they have all shown so far" he said.

"Training in the rain, snow and sub-zero temperatures has formed them into a tough unit of riders who will, I'm sure, be fighting fit and ready for action once they get the South Australian sun on their backs."
 
"Thanks also to Ian Brown, who has provided great backup and support to the team and myself" added Murphy.

ASHES TESTS ARE THE PINNACLE - posted 31 January 2009

'Ashes' test matches between Australia and Great Britain represent the pinnacle of international cycle speedway.   For riders, there is no better feeling than standing nervously on the centre green, wearing the national jersey as the anthems ring out.   This year's three match series has attracted considerable interest, probably because Great Britain are sending their strongest-ever team, with six of the top eight from last year's British final in the ten-man squad.   In contrast, Australia are likely to field relatively inexperienced but youthful teams, always a dangerous combination as youngsters strive to make their mark on international racing.   So when battle commences on 12 February it's sure to be interesting. Infact 12 February may well be the key.   Although it's only the first match of three, it's worth noting that every series has been won by the team who won the first test.   Let's take a closer look at the British Lions squad.

TEAM GB 2009

Lee Aris - Wednesfield (Captain)
Lee is a three-times   British champion in 2004, 2006 and 2008 and will be no stranger to Aussies cycle speedway fans. Lee first toured in 1997 as part of the junior squad and has been a key member in the England World Cup team since 1999. In 2005 he famously beat Lukasz Nowacki in the run off for the World Cup trophy.   Lee was also the Great Britain team captain on the 2005 tour.   He has been a top class rider for a decade with his strong, fast and determined (but never unfair) racing style   Lee is a great ambassador for British cycle speedway and when it comes to major individual championships he's always there or thereabouts in the final reckoning.

Gavin Wheeler - Southampton (Vice Captain)
Although registered with Southampton, Gavin races for nearby Poole in the Premier League club Poole. 2008 saw Gavin claim his second British Championship having previously won in 2002.   Gavin can be a bit of an enigma - one day unbelievably brilliant and the next day performing below his best, although it's fair to say a below par Gavin Wheeler is more than a match for most cycle speedway riders.   This was illustrated in the 2008 European championships where Gavin failed to make the individual semi finals but later in the same day, while racing for England in the Nations Cup, he produced a couple of truly breathtaking passes on two of the best riders in the world.   Gavin has also been on two previous tours 1997 and 2001.

Jono Birks - Sheffield
Jono toured as a junior in 2005, where he performed credibly in the World Junior final despite arriving in Australia with his foot in cast.   Since 2005 Jono has developed into one of Britain's top cycle speedway riders. His fast all action style means he's always entertaining to watch. Although Jono didn't race a full season in 2008, he will have benefited from spending a couple of months in Australia last summer where he regularly raced in open meetings. He arrived in Australia ahead of the rest of the British team, so should be fully acclimitised before the Poms land in Adelaide.   Look for some good scores, especially in the opening matches.

Leigh Cossey - Norwich
Leigh has been a top performer for Norwich for a number of seasons now and rides for the much respected Norwich club in the Premier League.   Leigh has improved from regularly racing the sports top riders. More of a team player than an individualist, Leigh did win the Norfolk Midweek Grand Prix in 2008.   He is always fit and a match for any rider and one not to be underestimated.

Steve Harris - Horspath
Steve was the 1999 World Champion and British Lions' captain in 1997 and 2001.   He then took over as non-riding GB team manager in 2005, so many might be surprised to see him back in the squad as a rider.   Despite just turning 40, Steve has had a new lease of life in the last 18 months which can only be put down to Steve stepping up his training. 2008 saw him finish fourth in the British Championship and by racing in the final for the 19th time broke Derek Garnett's long standing record of racing in 18 British finals.

Chris Jewkes - Wednesfield
Chris has been riding for Wednesfield for so long now that it's hard to believe that he's still in his early 20's. Chris has become a real top rider in the last two years as well as being a great team man.   Although not the most spectacular of riders, he has contributed a lot to Wednesfield's success in recent years.   Chris is also a regular in the British Championship final since making his debut in 2004.

Craig Marchant - Leicester
Craig was a key member of the Leicester team that won the 2008 British Premier League.   He is a multi British finalist and has toured Australia a couple of times in the 1990's. Craig was in the GB squad for the 1997 tour as well as being part of the victorious England team in the World Cup that year.

Lewis Osborne - Horspath
The highlight of Lewis's career so far was second place in the 2007 British individual championship, when he was defeated by Lee Aris in a run off for the title.   Lewis has been a top performer for Horspath in the Premier League for four seasons now. His main asset is his smooth riding style and almost looks like he's taking it easy on the track, but don't be deceived by this or his quiet nature.   Lewis is a tough competitor who is a match for anyone.  

Dan Pike - Leicester
Dan was the top performer for the Junior Lions in 2005 and since then has developed into one of Britain's top senior riders, as demonstrated in this year's British Championships where Dan finished fifth even though he had a tapes exclusion. This was in a restarted heat where he was leading and an incident with the back two riders caused the race to be stopped.   Without this he would have definitely been on the rostrum and would have been in contention for the title.  

Mark Winwood - Birmingham
Mark represented Wales on the 2005 tour and will no doubt be one of the key riders for Wales in the upcoming World Cup.  
His all action style means he's loved by the fans, especially if he's on your team, but someone to watch out for if he's behind you.   Mark is equally known off-track as he is on-track.   He is secretary of one of the sport's oldest clubs, Birmingham, and one of the UK's leading referees.

with thanks to Steve Harris for his assistance in compiling these rider portraits

TEAM GB   READY TO FACE THE AUSSIES - THEN POLAND - posted 29 January 2009

As the touring party complete their training schedule and prepare to fly to Adelaide next week, spokesman-online caught up with Great Britain team manager Dave Murphy to get his views on the coming test series in Australia.   Murphy offered the following comments on his squad and their objectives for the series.

"We have a well balanced squad with a mix of experience, youth, intelligence, tenacity and pure genius. I've been most impressed by the commitment of riders (including those in the GB junior squad) who have travelled across the country for training in freezing and wet conditions.

"I would say that six riders will form the foundation of the GB team, while four others will be called upon to play vital roles over the course of the three tests against Australia.   The quality of talent at my disposal ensures we will approach the series with confidence that all objectives will be achieved.

"As team manager I will be aiming to apply my experience to team selection and race tactics while offering support to motivate individuals when required. However, good management includes appropriate delegation and, when it comes to pre-match team talks, I have the ultimate Mr Motivator.   My team captain Lee Aris is the best in the business at delivering the right words and inspiring those around him.

"Both Lee and Gavin Wheeler will act as the spearhead, while the experience and hunger of Steve Harris will provide solid support.   I don't want to single out too many individuals, as we are a team, but I have to say that I've been most impressed with Chris Jewkes in recent weeks and he will be a key to team success Down Under" Murphy predicted.

"We have the added bonus that Jonno Birks is already in Adelaide (and training with the Aussies), so I expect him to be fit and raring to go.   I also have to be mindful of the two test matches with Poland that have also been scheduled.   I'm advised, by the BCF, that I am permitted to call-up additional tour members, if required, for GB v Poland matches.   This will almost certainly mean that Marcus Wadhams will have the opportunity to pull on the GB jersey at some stage to match his gating skills against the fast-starting Poles."

Murphy completed the interview by offering his sincere thanks to all of those who have supported the Great Britain team training during then past month.

"I would like to thank the Wednesfield, Filton, Ipswich, Great Blakenham, Birmingham, Newport and Leicester clubs for the use of facilities" he added.   "Special thanks for the food that was provided at Birmingham and Newport, at local bars, after training.   This showed strong support of our nations best riders as they prepared for the tour."

There was also wonderful support from others, as Murphy signed off by saying "The parents of young riders made great efforts in ferrying them around the country along with people like Pete Dalley, who was present at most sessions.   They will all have played a part in our success."