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EURO-VETS
2010 EUROVETS DATES EXPECTED SOON - posted 12 January 2010
EuroVets organisers are putting their final touches to the 2010 schedules following publication of the British Cycling dates. The programme may be extended to include team events for the first time.
Steve Harvis told Spokesman
"Below are the dates of the various official BCF /CSC Veteran events (plus London Old Masters) for this season and suggested dates for any Eurovets GP meetings so as not to conflict with them and provide a well balanced fixture list for the year, possibly including some other team events to increase our involvement in this age groups activities.
"It would be good to have eight rounds for the GP Series including using the European Championships in Poland vets event as a counting round - like we did with the World Championships in 2007. It would be then pertinent to count the best six scores from eight to determine the eventual honours.
"A vets fours team event has been suggested by Fred Rothwell to take place on a same day at a venue in the North and a venue in the South with the top two from each match meeting in the Midlands for a final or alternatively a home and away North v South Vets Test Match. This final or second Test match could be combined with one of the later GP rounds" explained Harvie.
"I think it is imperative that we arrange all these dates, times and venues asap in order to get them publicised in the official fixture list in the handbook so that everyone knows when our fixtures are taking place to avoid poor turn outs as has happened on a couple of occasions this year." he added. "It is also desirable to stage GP events along with another non-related fixture (gilrs, juniors etc) to guarantee interest (except Wales GP and London Old Masters). It would also be good to have some new venues. Also I think 1pm is too early a start time and 2 or 3pm would be better" suggested Harvie.
"Therefore it is urgent that clubs that wish to stage either GP rounds or team matches should make themselves known as soon as possible. Suggested dates are given below along with confirmed British Cycling ones to try and provide a balanced fixture list and not have too many events in the same regions. It would be good to hear other suggestions from participants too.
Eurovets Round 1 Easter Weekend Friday 2 Monday 5 April Suggested Midlands area.
Eurovets Round 2 Late Spring Holiday Saturday 29 May Scottish GP at Edinburgh
Eurovets Round 3 Sat. 12 June To Be Re-arranged at Birmingham at another date. (Round 1 over Easter Weekend suggested instead!)
BCF / CSC British Vets Team Event Saturday 19 June at Horspath
Eurovets Round 4 Saturday 10 July The Cardiff Speedway GP is on that day and East Newport are staging the BCF/CSC U19 Individual. We always have a round on this date but due to the start time of the Millennium event and the fact we raced there last year I suggest our GP should be staged at Newport at the same time but also the closeness (in distance!) between the two Welsh clubs should be taken into account using Filton or Swindon instead. Newport initially agreed to stage GP but would now prefer to stage a round on either Saturday 26th June or Saturday 9 October instead. We would still prefer this round to take place on the same day as the Speedway GP in Cardiff.
Eurovets Round 5 To be incorporated with the European Championships in Poland (23- 25 July) as we did at World Championships in 2007 (without GP run offs). Any Veteran rider contemplating attending the European Championships should indicate to the organisers that he wishes to take part in a vets individual to prompt them into holding one if there is enough interested and to also include Polish riders as two competed in Worlds in 2007.
BCF/CSC British Over 50s & 60s Individual Saturday 21 August at Southampton
*Eurovets Team Cup Saturday 4 September 2 matches in North and South (If as Fred suggested it is run as a round robin team format it would require 3 other Sat dates earlier).
BCF/CSC British Veterans Individual Saturday 11 September at Gt. Blakenham
Eurovets Round 6 Saturday 25 September Suggested Northern venue.
Eurovets Round 7 and Team Cup Final Saturday 9 October Wednesfield or East Park
Eurovets Round 8 (15th London Old Masters) Saturday 30 October East London
BCF/CSC Indoor Veterans Individual TBA
Any interested clubs wishing to stage a meeting should contact Fred Rothwell asap. The sooner we can arrange these dates the easier it will be to stage this years championship and enhance a series with more veteran riders in what will be its sixth season.
FOCUSSED BROWN GOES THROUGH THE CARD UNBEATEN IN LONDON OLD MASTERS -
posted 2 November 2009
Suffolk rider Gary Brown (Somersham and Kesgrave) deservedly became the thirteenth different London Old Masters winner on a mild evening at East London CSC. Unfortunately a field of 18 riders was missing several Eurovets regulars and two late withdrawals, containing four previous winners.
Gary was unbeaten in all five of his races winning heat 17 against fellow unbeaten over 40s leaders Ian Lawrence and Norman Venson in the individual to claim grid one in the GP final where the three of them were joined by local favourite and twice event winner Denis Hubble (2001 and 2002). This was a cracking final race of the season with Norman Venson taking the lead in a second lap positional shuffle only to be overtaken by a focussed Brown on the penultimate lap. This left Venson as runner up with Hubble reversing the earlier over 50s A final defeat by Lawrence who nonetheless cemented his double aged GP Series championships for this year.
The over 40s B final was just as exciting with East Londons 2005 winner Les Stevens convincingly winning from ex East Londoner Steve Woodroof who enjoyed an excellent meeting, finishing ahead of Colin Wheeler and match promoter Steve Harvie who had already met, tying on points, for a race off for choice of over 50s finals, the Southampton legend coming first then. Wheeler was third behind Lawrence and Hubble and ahead of Stevens in that one whilst former 1998 champion Dave Tulloch triumphed in the B version ahead of a tiring 1997 champion Steve Bloxham denying Harvie an improved position with previous over 50s champion Fred Rothwell grabbing the third spot.
Colin Wheeler comfortably won a five-man over 60s final ahead of Tulloch, Chris Riches, series runner up Chic Mackie and Sixties star Tony Johnstone. Interspersed between these GP finals, two consolation races took place with former Beckenham rider Steve Mayhill improving his score from East London stalwart Kevin Smith, Norfolk vet Tim Grimes and Sheffields re-start (after 43 years) rider John Bush.
Striking Postal worker(!) Dave Hughes refereed impeccably with Kesgrave mogul Dave Hunting doing the arithmetic in the pits. Trophy presentations were conducted on the centre green by Hollands Johan Koudijs, who provided the main prizes, followed by the GP series awards dished out by ELs Dave Flemming, recorded on film by Brian Barnett with Toby Millen announcing in front of the large crowd containing former champions Bill Hopkins (1995), Dave Palfreyman (1999) and Lee Galley (2007) and many former South-East riders several who had a go round at the end of the meeting along with Almeres Donald Reiche and Johan keen to ride in next years event.
All in all a good finale for the year with a promise of additional meetings for the expanding veterans scene for next season, information which will be found on the Eurovets website along with a full run down of all this years results, standings and statistics. www.freewebs.com/eurovets
EXCITING RACING EXPECTED IN EUROVETS FINALE IN LONDON - posted 27 October 2009
Despite the absence of last year's London Old Masters winner Steve Harris of Horspath and probable already known outcomes of the three class winners (Ian Lawrence (Filton) leading the 40s & 50s version and Colin Wheeler (Southampton) - pictured- dominant in the 60s field), of the seven round GP Championship, good racing is anticipated for the other podium positions.
Three times Eurovets champion Norman Venson (Leicester) along with Lawrence, have never triumphed at Canning Towns London Old Masters. Also hoping for victory wil be on-form local rider and twice winner Denis Hubble whilst debutant Mark Griffiths (Wednesfield) could be a winner after his Sandwell showing and Somershams Gary Brown cannot be ruled out either.
Hopefully the other regular series riders Mike Burgess, Dave Murphy, Simon Plows (GP sponsor), Paul Timms and Mick Aris will be present to strengthen their standings along with Eurovets Co-ordinator Fred Rothwell.
East Londons regular vets Les Stevens, Steve Harvie, George Hughes, Kevin Smith, Dave Hughes and retired Steve Woodroof compete alongside once-a-year returnees Alan Cox, Steve Bloxham, Dave Tulloch and Chris Riches, the latter two sure to give Colin Wheeler a run in the Grand Vets. Also included is Tolworths Tony Johnstone joining furthest traveller 71-year-old Chic Mackie from Edinburgh. John Bush from Sheffield and Beckenhams Steve Myhill are also taking part.
More riders have indicated they wish to participate and these, along with any others, should contact Steve Harvie or Fred Rothwell asap (previous advert). The meeting will commence at 3pm on Saturday 31 October with registration at 2.30pm.
Special guests from the Netherlands Johan Koudijs (who has generously supplied the main awards and prizes) and fellow Dutch vet Donald Reiche will be present, joining the many old riders spectating.
The London Old Masters has over the years turned into one of the most prestigious events for Veteran (over 40s / 50s / 60s) riders in the UK and has occupied this last Saturday in October date for the past 4 years, a fitting climax to the Cycle Speedway season.
Last year we were able to stage an over 50 & 60s full individual with GP finals followed by the over 40s final likewise containing an A & B GP final and it is our intention to do the same again this time. However due to the recession, numbers competing in the Eurovets GP series have been down, therefore we may have to opt for a combined event so interested parties must be present at 2.30 pm to determine the actual format.
As usual the entry is open to all participating Eurovets GP riders, additional interested 40 plus BCF registered riders (£3 entry) and lapsed former riders (on a day licence, £5 entry). For entry confirmation and additional info please use above contacts. For overnight accommodation contact Premier, Travelodge and Formule 1 and others who all have hotels around London City Airport, North Circular Road at Barking and Dartford Crossing from as low as £25 per room per night.
Steve Harvie
LOCAL HERO'S DEBUT VICTORY IN EUROVETS GP - posted 11 October 2009
Former World cycle speedway champion Mark Newey (Sandwell), who began his racing career at Sandwell, won the sixth round on his first Eurovets appearance with a fine clinical performance, only being beaten once by fellow debutant Mark Griffiths (Wednesfield) who could have made the rostrum save for a tape exclusion denying an A Final appearance but had to make do with winning the B version instead.
Series leader in both the 40s and 50s classes, Ian Lawrence (Filton) cemented his dominance with a win in the latter and third in the premier class where nearest challenger Norman Venson (Leicester) had a bad day with a fall and machine failure denying him any races in the finals and the likelihood of losing his three year old Eurovets crown.
Mick Aris (Wednesfield) in his first appearance of the year was the surprise runner up to Newey with Fred Rothwell (Pedalsport) claiming forth spot. Also the victim of a tape exclusion was local rider and Scottish GP winner Paul Timms (Birmingham) who grabbed second spot in the B Final ahead of Colin Wheeler (Southampton) and longstanding local rider Tony Bowen (Sandwell).
In the Supervets (over-50s) A Final, Paul finished second to Lawrence ahead of Aris and Rothwell whilst Wheeler won the B version ahead of Bowen, Steve Harvie (East London) and Chic Mackie (Edinburgh). Another victory for Wheeler ahead of Mackie and local Bob Hill (Sandwell) in the Grand Vets Final (over 60s) completed the results.
The non qualifiers who joined Norman surprisingly included Phil Hemmings (Sandwell) and club stalwart Pete Dalley (Sandwell), still showing a forceful turn of speed, returnee rider (after 43 years) John Bush (Sheffied) and the ever entertaining Joe Williams (unattached). It was good to see the match refereed well by a very diligent and alert youngster in Lee Smith (West Midlands) and supported in excellent organisation by the host club.
Full results and standings will appear on the Eurovets website shortly along with further information on the final round (incorporating the 14th London Old Masters) at East London on Saturday 31 October which promises to be a cracking meeting pitting, the leaders of the Eurovets series against the cream of the elderly riders from the South East (See previous advert for full details).
... AND A SECOND REPORT FROM THE EUROVETS AT SANDWELL - posted 11 October 2009
On a pleasant October Saturday afternoon (10 October 2009) Sandwell Caterline Commerical Kitchens Lions played hosts to the Eurovets Grand Prix round six, and a great afternoon of entertainment it was too, with some super racing from all the riders.
The Over-40's part meeting was won by Sandwell's own Mark Newey. Following him home was Wednesfield's Mick Aris, third came Ian Lawence and fourth Fred Rothwell. The Over-50's saw Ian Lawence beat Paul Timms, Mick Aris and Fred Rothwell. The Over-60's Section saw Colin Wheeler beat Chic Makie and Bob Hill.
Sandwell were well represented by Mark Newey, Bob Hill, Phil Hemming, Tony Bowen, all action Pete Dalley, and Joe Mr Showtime Williams. Pete Dalley and Phill Hemming did well to score 10 points in the qualifying rounds and only just missed out on a final place. Bob Hill, who has only just taken the sport, showed that he could one to watch in next season's vets competitions while Joe Williams, after three or four years without riding a bike, gave the crowd some interesting moments to remember.
Over-60s
A Final
Colin Wheeler, Chic Makie, Bob Hill
Over-50s
B Final
Colin Wheeler, Tony Bowen, Steve Harvie, Chic Makie.
A Final
Ian Lawence, Paul Timms, Mick Aris, Fred Rothwell
Over-40s
B Final
Mark Griffiths, Paul Timms, Colin Wheeler, Tony Bowen
A Final
Mark Newey, Mick Aris, Ian Lawence, Fred Rothwell
Referee: Lee Smith (West Midlands)
Eurovets GP Round Five at Southampton 26 September 2009
DOUBLE VICTORY FOR IAN LAWRENCE - posted 28 September 2009
Ian Lawrence of Filton scored a double victory on a sun drenched Shirley Ponds track winning both the over 40s and over 50s finals in a reduced veterans (due to late call offs and non starters) field which was boosted by the inclusion of three local junior riders to make up the numbers.
Local legend and match promoter Colin Wheeler made all three age finals winning the over 60s from evergreen 71 year old Glaswegian Chic Mackie, coming second to Lawrence in the 50s version ahead of Fred Rothwell (Pedalsport) and Phil Hemmings (Sandwell) and was a creditable third in the main event behind runner up Norman Venson (Leicester).
Hemmings and Steve Harvie (East London) took the respective 40s & 50s B Finals whilst Dave OCallaghan (Bury) and Chics son Graham Mackie (unattached) completed the field in a good match refereed by Mike Legge.
Richard Hayes won the Junior Final from Josh Robertson and Alex Mathews. Josh earlier led overall winner Lawrence for three laps in heat 20, the race of the day when Norman inflicted the only defeat on the Filton rider.
Over-40s
A Final I. Lawrence 25, N. Venson 23, C. Wheeler 22 and F. Rothwell 21.
B Final P. Hemmings 20, S. Harvie 18, G. Mackie 17 & C. Mackie 16.
Also rode D. OCallaghan 9.
Over-50s
A Final I.Lawrence 25, C.Wheeler 23, F.Rothwell 22 and P.Hemmings 21.
B Final S. Harvie 20 & C. Mackie 18.
Over-60s Final
C. Wheeler 25 & C. Mackie 23
Junior Final
R. Hayes, J. Robertson and A. Mathews
Leading Positions after Five Rounds
Over-40s
1st Ian Lawrence 116, 2nd Norman Venson 108, 3rd Colin Wheeler 95, 4th Fred Rothwell 87, 5th Mike Burgess 85, 6th Simon Plows 79
Over-50s
1st Ian Lawrence 121, 2nd Colin Wheeler 107, 3rd Fred Rothwell 99, 4th Mike Burgess 90, 5th Chic Mackie 67, 6th Dave Murphy 52
Over-60s
1st Colin Wheeler 120, 2nd Chic Mackie 108, 3rd Ian McKinley 44, 4th Roger Ellis 23, 5th John Murphy 18
The sixth round will take palce at Sandwell CSC on Saturday 10 October at 1pm. Contact club for details at ww.sandwellcyclespeedway.com
The final round, incorporating the 14th London Old Masters, wil be hosted by East London CSC on saturday 31 October at 3pm. Contact Steve Harvie 01634 668180 / 07730 283522 and or www.freewebs.com/eastlondoncyclespeedway
Eurovets Co-ordinator Fred Rothwell 01422 832195 / 07779 203841 &
Eurovets Website www.freewebs.com/eurovets
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