ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED ONLINE - posted 23 January 2012

If you haven't seen it yet, Cycle Speedway's Annual Report 2011 has been published on British Cycling's website.  If you are interested in the sport's management, take a look at

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclespeedway/article/cys_officials_documents

NEW CHAIRMAN RELISHING "AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES" - posted 12 December 2011

British Cycling has recently announced that Dr George Gilbert will succeed Colin Docker as chairman of the Cycle Speedway Commission in the New Year.

George is well known in mainstream cycling circles.  Not only is he a member of the British Cycling's National Board and chairman of BC's Eastern Region but he is also a national commissaire and organiser of several major youth events.

Speaking exclusively to Spokesman-Online earlier today George said

"In terms of my background, as an athlete I had a moderately successful career, winning a couple of regional championship titles and competing in a handful of minor international events, before long term ill health forced retirement.  Having got a huge amount out of sport when younger, I've dedicated my time since to putting as much as I can back in. 

"My involvement in cycle speedway goes back a couple of years and have been a regular reader of Spokesman for some time.  Indeed, when I was elected as chair of the Eastern Region, one of my very first actions was to visit a cycle speedway event.  For the last few years I have worked with Mel Perkins and others in the East to help promote the sport within British Cycling. 

"My appointment as chair of the Cycle Speedway Commission comes at a really exciting time for the sport with the recent SKY coverage and forthcoming European championship events that will be taking place
during the Olympic period.  The profile of the sport has never been higher and I'm really looking forward to listening to what the cycle speedway community want to do to make the most of this amazing opportunity and working with the Commission to help achieve it" said George enthusiastically.

CHAIRMAN'S FAREWELL - posted 9 December 2011

After three years as chairman of the Cycle Speedway Commission, Colin Docker is moving on to head up British Cycling's new Disciplinary Panel.  Colin wanted to say his goodbyes and wish the sport every success for the future.  Here's what he told Spokesman earlier today - 

"Following the British Cycling Board meeting on 7 December, in which all Commissions are reviewed, the Board confirmed the appointment of George Gilbert to the chair of the Cycle Speedway Commission.

"I am to head the Disciplinary Panel, which will deal centrally with all the
disciplines within BC, under the new regulations which come into effect 1 January 2012, as confirmed and approved at the last National Council.
 
"After three years as chair of the Cycle Speedway Commission, I have mixed feelings about moving on, but I do recognise that change and the refreshment of ideas is a positive thing, and I am certain that George will bring a positive and open approach to the job, and already has good local connections with cycle speedway through the Eastern Region board. Most importantly, he will have the continued support of the excellent Paul West, so continuity is also assured.

"Personally, I would like to thank all the Commission members for their open and friendly approach, their robust discussion, and the unreserved friendship  they have offered, which has been reciprocated. We have been through some challenging times and issues, and I think today are stronger, and will continue to gain strength.

"The work of the development group, led by Ian Brown, and the evolution of the coaching scheme, are all very positive pointers to a solid future for the sport. There is a huge amount of goodwill and good sense that I have encountered in visits to various events, some exciting promotions, splendid venues. Just to pick out a few, Poole for it's lovely setting, and great atmosphere, Leicester with all those flowers and an excellent clubroom, Horspath with the cricketers alongside (and Geoff giving his all on the mic), are just a few of the things that stick in the mind.

"Norwich, on a cloudy day in the park, what an atmosphere at the national individual final, and a climax that could hardly have been scripted better. A joyful day for Andy Angell, and the quiet smile on Ian Grange's face as everything worked beautifully.  Plus, of course, all those teas and coffees that you are forced to drink served by
smiling helpers. It's a tough life!

"I will miss the Commission, but hope I will be able to get to some race meetings next season, and renew pleasantries with all the good people who are at the heart of the sport.

"I wish everyone luck for 2012 onwards, and that you all achieve all you want to in the future."

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR COMMISSION - posted 8 December 2011

The Cycle Speedway Commission has a new chairman.  

Following his election to the Board of Directors last month, Dr George Gilbert has been appointed by British Cycling, to chair the Cycle Speedway Commission, replacing Colin Docker.  George Gilbert, from Cuffley in Hertfordshire, is also chairman of British Cycling's Eastern Regional Board.  He has a background in road and track cycling.  

We hope to bring your more news shortly.

COLIN DOCKER RE-ELECTED TO BC BOARD - posted 12 November 2011

The British Cycling National Council, held at Manchester's Radisson Hotel earlier today, was a well-attended and slick affair, highlighted by a comprehansive presentation by Performance Director, David Brailsford.
 
Brailsford gave a frank and open assessment of Team GB's medal prospects in next year's Olympic Games in London but in an interesting pitch, he also emphasised the importance of coaching and clubs in the current structure.
 
Whilst deliberately playing down expectations, his candid philosophy that competitors must be "ready to train, ready to race, race to inspire" applies in all disciplines and, using examples taken from the GB squad, his presentation demonstrated the meticulous approach Brailsford and the British Cycling team take to ensure the best results.
 
Brailsford also emphasised the importance of the coaching structure which has been applied across all disciplines, such as the inaugural Level 2 Cycle Speedway Coaching Award which debuts next month at Astley & Tyldesley.
 
Continuing the upbeat theme, British Cycling's Chief Executive, Ian Drake, went into some detail about the way that cycling is funded and how the administration has played some part in the overall success. The initial remit to have 100,000 members has now been re-targetted at 2016 and with BC hitting the 40,000 mark with all regional showing substantial increases in membership, it is desirable achievement
looks more likely.
 
Drake also illustrated how funding is no longer a right. Governing bodies now have to deliver results based on participation and excellence so, where sports such as golf, rugby league and rugby union have lost funding, the re-deployment of that funding may well fall to more successful sports such as cycling, who now have the opportunity to present a case before the next round of funding begins in April 2013.
 
The timetable for that funding is already underway with draft business proposals needing to be with UK Sport by March next year and final proposals must be lodged by October (Sport England's timetable means a May 2012 deadline). Decisions from both bodies will be announced around this time next year in time for the April 2013
fiscal year.
 
The main discussion concerning the rules and by-laws concerned the introduction of the a disciplinary process. sports-specialist law firm, Messrs Bird & Bird, have considerable experience in tailoring disciplinary processes according to jurisprudence and good practice and their representative was on hand to describe the detail of the proposed new process. 

In a nutshell, a national disciplinary panel comprising of around thirty regional representatives would be headed by a chairman and will provide three people to sit in each hearing. The process also includes a
tariff against each "offence" and a formal route of appeals and costs where appropriate.

Whilst there were no cycle speedway specific questions or proposals received from the membership, it was comforting to know that Colin Docker was again elected to the Board alongside incumbent Vice-President, Bob Howden, from the Yorkshire Region, and Dr George Gilbert from the Eastern Region.
                                      
ANXIOUS WAIT FOR COMMISSION  CHAIRMAN - posted 11 November 2011

Cycle Speedway Commission chairman Colin Docker faces an anxious wait tomorrow.

Colin is one of five nominees seeking election, or in Colin's case re-election, to British Cycling's Board of Directors.  Bob Howden, who has also chaired various cycle speedway meetings and disciplinary hearings, is also seeking another term of office together with fellow director Vic Hopkin.  In all, five candidates are contesting three available places.

Delegates from British Cycling's regions gather for National Council, in effect cycling's annual general meeting, to discuss a wide range of issues including election of national officers.

Editor's Note - I am sure everyone in cycle speedway will join me is wishing Colin Docker every success in tomorrow's National Council elections.  Colin has adapted well to his relatively new and certainly challenging role as chairman of the Cycle Speedway Commission.  Hopefully delegates will re-elect him to the Board, so allowing Colin to continue to steer cycle speedway through one of the most exciting periods in its history.  

NATIONAL CONFERENCE CANCELLED - posted 5 November 2011

The annual cycle speedway national conference, due to be held on Sunday 20 November has been cancelled.  Instead it will be replaced by a Development Conference which will be held in Birmingham on Sunday 22 January.  British Cycling has not announced the reason for the sudden switch.

ANNUAL REPORT TO BE RE-INTRODUCED - posted 1 November 2011

After a break of four years, British Cycling is planning to re-introduce cycle speedway's annual report.

The report was a feature of cycle speedway administration for decades before British Cycling suddenly discontinued it after 2007.  British Cycling never explained their reason for withdrawing the document which was a key communication between the governing body and its grass-root membership. 

It's reinstatement will appease the critics who advocated that the report had simply ended because the Commission "couldn't be asked" - indeed Spokesman-Online featured its disappearance on our editorial page under the heading "Nothing to Report?"

The annual report normally covers such areas as the Commission's overview of the year and it aspirations for the future.  Traditionally it also included a competition review and membership analysis as well as principal officer-related reports on such things as Development, Operations, Publicity, Referees and so on.

It is expected the 2011 annual report will be circulated in early December.

ENTER ELITE AND PREMIER LEAGUES - posted 22 October 2011

Cycle speedway's Premier League competition will be split into two divisions next year.

The Cycle Speedway Commission agreed this afternoon to promote a two-tier national league in 2012, using the established speedway titles, the Elite League and the Premier League, the Elite being the first tier league and the Premier the second.

Each league is expected to comprise six clubs.  Although the composition of each league has yet to be finalised, it is believed new applicants Birmingham, Hull and Newport will be in the second tier Premier League.  Despite East Newport's withdrawal from the 2012 competition, one additional team will be demoted from the existing Premier League to the new Premier League.  It is widely rumoured that Southampton have also expressed an interest in competing in the national league.

Team strengths will now be a major consideration.  An objective formula, based on rider averages, will be introduced.  Full details are expected to be published by British Cycling shortly.

In a surprise move, East London won the bid ahead of Leicester and Poole to host the European championship finals at Canning Town recreation ground.  The qualifying rounds will be held in East Anglia before the entourage transfers to London for the finals, to be held in conjunction with the 2012 Olympic celebrations.

As widely predicted, Newport will host the 2012 British men's and women's individual championship final on August Bank Holiday Monday with the corresponding under-16s and under-10s championships being held at East Newport and the senior qualifying rounds Filton in Bristol.  Hull will stage the British team final and Coventry re-enter the national scene by hosting the Veterans Club Championship.

In a an effort to improve the sport's discipline, riders receiving red or yellow cards will be penalised four race points in addition to the usual penalties.  It is hoped that this will instill some self-discipline within clubs.

Only two non domiciled riders wil be allowed to compete in team competitions with effect from next season.  British championship can only be contested by UK nationals.

We hope to bring you more news of today's meeting soon.