WEB WATCH

Many clubs and riders have their own websites.  Our editorial team regularly scans these sites for emerging news stories and pics.  The idea is not to replicate articles on spokesman-online but to draw our readers attention to what's happening across the cycle speedway world.  

Lets go surfing ...

BRITISH CYCLING LAUNCH NEWS PAGE – posted 27 February 2014

British Cycling has introduced a new, improved cycle speedway news page on its website.

Originally re-launched as a newsletter, the web page will now include all the latest cycle speedway news and a special questions and answers slot where members can ask questions about the sport’s management and administration.

Unveiling the improved website, British Cycling explained that the page can be used to spread the news about what’s happening in the world of cycle speedway.

“This website page is the place to raise queries related to the running of CS sport or suggestions to improve and will be used by the Commission to publicise reponses” explained British Cycling’s Paul West.

Take a look at

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclespeedway/article/cysst-Cycle-Speedway-Newsletter-0

BADGE BID SOARS – posted 27 February 2014

Bidding on a rare Warwick Lions lapel badge has reached a staggering £19.95. 

The amazing bid underlines the growing interest in cycle speedway memorabilia which some enthusiasts, including external collectors, see as a niche market given the relatively small number of items produced and their scarcity, especially those items pre-dating the Sixties.

The sale price could rise further given that bidding doesn’t close until Tuesday of next week.

RARE LAPEL BADGE BEING AUCTIONED – posted 26 February 2014

The upsurge of interest in cycle speedway memorabilia show no signs of abating.  Enamel badges have long been a collector’s item in other sports but cycle speedway badges are certainly in demand, probably because of their scarcity. 

A Warwick Lions lapel badge is currently attracting interest on eBay.  The highest bid for the London’s club badge currently stands at £9.40 plus postage but is expected to go higher as the auction end date approaches.

Take a look on

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Old-Enamel-Speedway-Lapel-Badge-Warwick-Lions-Cycle-Speedway-Club-/331135850421?pt=UK_Sports_Memorabilia_ET&hash=item4d193c17b5#ht_2014wt_1111

SHORT TRACK SPEED CYCLING? – posted 15 February 2014

Interesting comment from Twitter enthusiast Ivan Boyles.  Sharing his thoughts about the Winter Olympics he wrote:

Ivan Boyes þ@IvanBoyes

Short track speed skating appears to be a bit like cycle speedway but without bikes and on ice.

NEWS PAGE RE-LAUNCHED – posted 13 February 2014

British Cycling is strengthening direct communication with its members by re-launching a Cycle Speedway Newsletter page on its website.

The new style information page will be replace the previous circular-based Newsletter which had been a feature for many years but has not been updated for over twelve months.

Announcing the re-vamped Newsletter page, Cycle Speedway Event Development Officer Paul West said “On behalf of the BC CS Commission, I am looking at further options to communicate directly with all British Cycling members who are members of cycle speedway clubs.  More news on this to follow shortly” promised Paul.

The latest edition can be viewed at

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclespeedway/article/cysst-Cycle-Speedway-Newsletter-0.

FLASHBACK TO 1983 – posted 12 February 2014

Here’s a video flashback to 1983 and a fours match at Edmonton, North London  featuring the first-ever Aussie touring team

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=12&ved=0CCkQtwIwATgK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8dWyOuZwFaQ&ei=LrX3UuOmPIOThQef8IH4CA&usg=AFQjCNGK9xLb0ipemdtpe0ahkdGH4E0CpA

WHEN CROWDS WERE CROWDS – posted 5 February 2014 

Surfing through Dave Hunting’s excellent website, we couldn’t help but notice the photo gallery from the local Warwickshire league match between Leamington Red Devils v Binley Bees (pictured).  What a magnificent crowd! Of course that was a different era but it does capture the popularity of cycle speedway in the Fifties.

View the full gallery at http://www.cyclespeedwayhistory.org.uk/1438.shtml

WILDCATS UPDATED – posted 5 February 2014

The full Woodbridge Wildcats line-up has been confirmed, thanks to cycle speedway historian Dave Hunting.  It is (l to r) - Jeffrey Frost, Paul Amon, Nigel Burch, Mick Sparrow, Merv Cooper, Ian Jay, Peter Williamson, Graham Elliott. Rider kneeling - Trevor Burch.

WILDCATS NAMED – posted 03 February 2014

Several of the riders featured on the Woodbridge Wildcats photo have been identified – by none other than Cycle Speedway Commission chairman Graham Elliott – and Graham should now because he also appears on the pic!

Recalling events from close on 40 years ago, Graham told Spokesman

 

“Third left is Nigel Burch, Mick whose surname escapes me, one of

two sons of the promoter of the defunct Witnesham track. Merv Cooper, Ian Jay, Pete Williamson (I think), yours truly and in the front team mascot, Burch the younger. How embarrassing!” said Graham, smiling broadly as he recounted the events of yesteryear - or was it a grimace!



WORLD CHAMPION LOOKS BACK ON 2013 – posted 3 February 2014

World champion Marcin Szymanski has posted his personal review of the year on YouTube.  It’s well worth a look so click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RcNZZZtZyw

MYSTERY SOLVED – posted 2 February 2014

Our mystery team pic didn’t take long to solve!

Within minutes of posting the grainy coloured pic online, several readers including Andy Schofield, Rich Pawson and Barry Watson who all appear in the photo, got in touch to tell us that it was a Hull representative side.

The picture was taken in 1977 before a match between a Hull composite team, wearing Tranby breastplates and Anlaby shirts, and Sheffield or South Yorkshire.  It features:

Back l to r: Phil Westerdale (Anlaby), Stuart Waudby (Tranby), Neil Madden (Anlaby), Andy Schofield (Anlaby)

Front: Rez Newby (Tranby), Barry Watson (Tranby), Rich Pawson (Anlaby), Ian Clark (Tranby)

Barry also took the opportunity to point us in the direction of Rich Pawsons’ excellent history of Hull CSC site which is well worth a look http://historycscinhull.webs.com/photoalbum1978.htm

Cycle speedway historian Dave Hunting was delighted to identify the mystery team.

“The magnetic reader power of Spokesman-Online has identified the unknown photograph in just a few minutes” said a delighted Dave.  “Andy Schofield was the observant reader, identifying the photo as a Anlaby Aces/Tranby Diamonds (Humberside) composite team from 1977.  Thanks for your help in this.”

Buoyed on by our success, we thought we’d pose readers another question.  The picture above, retrieved from our archives, clearly shows Suffolk team Woodbridge Wildcats.  We think the picture was taken sometime in the Seventies at Spixworth, judging by the super-banked track.

We can identify one of the riders, Merv Cooper (fifth left) but can you name any of the others?  If you can help, please drop us a line. 

3,000 UP – posted 1 February 2014

Cycle speedway historian Dave Hunting has just added two further teams, Paynes Park Panthers and Walsworth Boomerangs, to his remarkable collection of ‘Teams Down The Ages’, bringing the total number of teams to a staggering 3,000.

The website really is a must for any cycle speedway follower who has an interest in the history of the game.  If you haven’t looked recently take a click on http://www.cyclespeedwayhistory.org.uk/ and while you are there, see if you can help Dave out by solving some of the unidentified photographs, like the one pictured above.

TOP OF THE POPS! - posted 22 January 2014

Songwriter and poet Arthur Kitchener has dedicated his song ‘Track Bike Kings and Speedway Queens’ to what he describes as the best sport ever – cycle speedway.  The song is dedicated to his old club, East London.  Take a look!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZomkvDl1WOQ&feature=youtu.be

SPECIAL EFFECT PICS – posted 13 January 2014

Loads of cycle speedway photos, many with special effects, have been posted on the following link http://statigr.am/tag/cyclespeedway

ANGELL’S ANNUS HORRIBILIS – posted 12 January 2014

If you missed it during the New Year celebrations, Andy Angell’s latest blog is well worth a read as the former national champion reflects on a disappointing year and his hopes for success in the velodrome this year.  It also contains a good little race video.  Take a look on http://www.andyangell.co.uk/blog.html

RACING INSTITUTION – posted 13 December 2013 

There’s an interesting article about the Sheffield club on British Cycling’s website.  If you haven’t seen it, take a look on

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-rideracing/article/go-ride20131211-Go-Ride-Racing---News-Go-Ride-Racing-riders-get-wheels-turning-at-the-English-Institute-of-Sport-0

NOWACKI REFLECTIONS – posted 7 December 2013

Former World champion Lukasz Nowacki has written another superb blog reflecting on his time Down Under and his disappointment at surrendering his crown to fellow Pole Marcin Syzmanski.  It really is an excellent read, so take a look on
http://www.lukasznowacki.com/

POOLE CELEBRATION VIDEO – posted 25 October 2013

Poole cycle speedway club features in a new video to celebrate one of the club’s most successful seasons ever.  Produced and narrated by Rob Haywood of Venture Video, the clip reflects on Poole’s crucial win at Sheffield which saw the Dorset side win their first ever Elite League title, their celebration at Poole Speedway and photo clips from the club’s formation 40 years ago.

The seven minute video is well worth a look.  Just click on

https://vimeo.com/77696941?utm_source=email&utm_medium=clip-transcode_complete-finished-

ANGELL BLOG – posted 23 October 2013

Former national champion Andy Angell has posted another great blog on his website outlining his preparations for next month’s World championships in Australia.  It’s well worth a read on http://www.andyangell.co.uk/blog.html
 

POLISH CHAMPS VIDEO – posted 23 October 2013

Highlights from the Polish individual championships have been posted on YouTube.  Take a look at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmMdTWaljjw 

WHO INSPIRES THE CHAMP? – posted 8 October 2013

Who inspires world cycle speedway champion Lukasz Nowacki.  Find out by clicking on http://www.lukasznowacki.com/

SUPERB PICS ON KESGRAVE WEBSITE – posted 8 October 2013

If you haven’t visited it recently, take a look at Kesgrave Panthers’ website, completed with an eclectic mix of superb pictures from the British Youth and Junior League compliments of ace cameraman Neil Vincent.  One site you can’t afford to miss!

Just click on http://kesgravepanthers.co.uk/

LAUREN DAVIES BLOG – posted 5 October 2013

British women’s champion Lauren Davies has posted a great blog on her website documenting her preparations for next month’s World championships in Adelaide.  Take a look at

http://laurendaviesracing.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/world-championships-preparation-australia/

LONDON SHOW BOOST – posted 29 September 2013

World champion Lukasz Nowacki’s cycle speedway blog is always worth a read and today’s contribution is no different.  Lukasz also gives a hint that cycle speedway could make its debut at the London Bike Shiow next year.  Read all about it at

http://lukasznowacki.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/overdrive/

WOMEN’S CHAMPION MONTAGE – posted 2 September 2013

Last Monday, Lauren Davies became the women’s British cycle speedway champion at Coventry. Follow this montage of her winning performance filmed by Rob Haywood, Venture Video by clicking on http://vimeo.com/73556646

ANGELL BLOG – posted 29 August 2013

If you haven’t seen it yet click on the following link and read Andy Angell’s superb blog and this thoughts on Monday’s national final.  It’s well worth reading.  http://www.andyangell.co.uk/blog.html

STUNNING PICS – posted 29 August 2013

Ace photographer Phil Clarke was busy over the Finals Weekend taking hundreds of stunning pics (including this panoramic shot of the Coventry track bathed in evening sunshine), many of which have been uploaded to the Ipswich club’s web site.  Take a look at http://ipswicheagles.org.uk/photos/2013-photos/

ARCHIE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE – posted 24 August 2013

The new Archie Wilkinson website has been launched.

The crisp, well set-out site features the wide range of cycle speedway components, accompanying photos and more importantly prices.

It’s well worth having a look and adding it to your favourites list.  The link is http://archie-wilkinson.co.uk/

ANGELL INTERVIEW A GOOD READ – posted 22 August 2013

Saturday is a big day for Birmingham cycle speedway when the Monarchs host the first qualifying round of the men’s British individual championship starting at 12 noon.

Dynamic club webmaster Richard Stevenson has been speaking to double and defending champion Andy Angell on his thoughts of the weekend ahead, his previous titles and who to look out for.  It’s well worth a read.

http://birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/british-championships-angells-angle/

NEW WEBSITE – posted 5 August 2013

Wednesfield Aces have launched a new website.  Take a look at www.wednesfieldaces.com

MORE VETS PICS – posted 5 August 2013

Ace photographer Phil Clarke was in action in more ways than one at the Vets Club on Saturday.  As well as taking his usual position behind the camera, Phil also starred in some on-track action as Ipswich maintained their challenge at the top of the Club Championship leader board.

“Sometimes a man has to put down his camera and take up the ‘someone has to come last’ role” smiled Phi between large in-takes of breath.

“As ever, the cycle speedway community is welcome to copies for personal and club use and to promote cycle speedway.  If anyone wants high resolution originals of any pics, contact me at [email protected]” Phil told Spokesman.

Phil’s photos can be viewed at http://ipswicheagles.org.uk/

http://www.andyangell.co.uk/blog.html

CARRS WOOD REVISITED – posted 6 June 2013

If you are old enough to remember the old Carrs Wood track in Gatley, Manchester or have raced against the great Brian Moston, now sadly deceased, you’ll love the following web link:

http://iainroberts.mycouncillor.org.uk/2013/06/04/
brian-moston-and-the-carrs-wood-hunters/

SPOT THE FACE IN THE CROWD – posted 28 May 2013

Can you spot a famous cycle speedway face in the crowd? 

Click on http://speedwaygp.com/news/article/2533/from-wolves-to-wales

LONDON PICS ON PHOTOBUCKET – posted 20 May 2013

Photos and videos from yesterday’s East London v Norwich match have been posted on Brian Barnett’s Cycle Speedway Photos website.

Brian reports that this was an impressive match by both East London and Norwich with many incidents which kept referee Dave Hunting busy with the whistle!  There was lots of close racing along with the crashes, providing an entertaining match for the watching spectators.

Take a look at the pics and videos on http://www.cyclespeedwayphotos.co.uk/

TODAY’S CYCLIST – posted 18 May 2013

Interesting post on the well regarded Today’s Cyclist website.  Take a look at

http://www.todayscyclist.co.uk/blog.aspx?BLOGGER=nowackiracing&POST=526

WEBSITE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH – posted 14 May 2013

Birmingham Monarchs’ website goes from strength to strength.  Webmaster Richard Stevenson (pictured above) has put together a lively and informative site containing not only match previews and reports, but other interesting features including an interview with Wales team manager Nicky Evans and Natalie Timms’s thoughts on women’s racing.

Take a look at http://birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com/

FIRST IMPRESSIONS – posted 14 May 2013

Internet blogger Steve Hodgson has recently discovered cycle speedway.  What did he make of it?  Take a look on the following link and find out.

http://sulluzzu.com/post/cycle-speedway

LAUREN DAVIES RACING – posted 6 May 2013

More and more riders are following in the wheel tracks of greats like Lukasz Nowakci and Andy Angell by developing their own websites and posting their own blogs.

Leading the way in the women’s game is Leicester star Lauren Davies.  An all-round cyclist of some note, Lauren is hoping to make her mark in mainstream track cycling.  





Take a look at her website at http://laurendaviesracing.wordpress.com/