GOOD TURNOUT AT STOCKPORT ACADEMY - posted 4 March 2010
On a very cold but dry afternoon 17 riders attended the North and Midlands round of the Youth Academy at Stockport. The horrendous storm that had wrecked the round at Ipswich had completely avoided the North and the track was perfect for racing. The session began with the planned classroom work at the side of the track under a gazebo but very quickly had to be abandoned due to the freezing cold wind with many of the riders physically shaking. However, they quickly warmed up once the track sessions began.
A fifty lap warm up was followed by a series of exercises upto the lunch break designed to build up rider’s fitness. After lunch the session was kept light with the introduction of starting and team riding practice before the session was concluded with a last man standing competition. Several riders will have woken on Monday morning with stiff legs as many of the riders will have ridden over 300 laps during the event.
YOUNGSTERS ENCOURAGED TO THINK ON THEIR FEET - posted 28 February 2010
The South-East Academy day began at Whitton Sports Centre, Ipswich where Ian Grange led the classroom session based on last week's national academy. 16 youngsters from Norfolk and Suffolk, including three girls, attended the morning session. The youngsters had to think on their feet as they were encouraged to participate in group discussions using their own knowledge and understanding of what is required to become a good cycle speedway rider.
After lunch, the group moved to Somersham for the outdoor session. Unfortunately the weather was against them as it had been raining constantly since the early hours of the morning. The track was underwater despite Pete Mittell's valiant attempts to clear it. Plan B came into action as it became apparent that even the grass was too wet to get bikes out. Dave Solomon offered to take a fitness session which saw 12 lads and two girls running round the football pitch, doing squats, running relays and even piggy back racing!
It was a very impressive sight in such extreme conditions. A very big "well done" to the youngsters who all gave 100% and a big thanks to Dave for putting them all through their paces.
ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNGSTERS SUPPORT SOUTH-WEST ACADEMY - posted 28 February 2010
Harbourside Park was the venue for the South West Youth Academy session under the watchful eye of former Great Britain captain Colin Sutton who was supported by ex- British champions Gavin Wheeler and Pete Young along with BC Level Two coach Ben Donohue, as a dozen riders from Exeter, Horspath and hosts Poole were put through their paces.
The threatened stormy weather narrowly missed Dorset and the four hour session went off smoothly with all participants agreeing that it had been a worthwhile day. Colin Sutton was full of praise for the enthusiasm of the young riders who put a 100% effort into the event. "This is a concept which deserves to succeed - and will do if all clubs play their part" he remarked. REGIONAL ACADEMIES OPEN THEIR DOORS - posted 23 February 2010
This Sunday sees the first regional academy sessions taking place at Ipswich (East), Poole (South West & Wales) and Stockport (Midlands/North). The sessions will commence from 11.00am and run until 3.30pm (excluding the Stockport session that will run from 12.00pm - 3.00pm). The regional leads are Ian Grange (East) Colin Sutton (South West & Wales) and Ian Brown (Midlands/North). Again like last week, all riders are expected to attend with fully operational and clean equipment. Riders should also bring a light lunch and plenty of drink.
In terms of riders attending, all riders born in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 are invited to attend these sessions. Riders MUST confirm their attendance by either e mailing academy@wosskowbrown.co.uk or by calling Ian Grange on 07814752407. The closing date for applications is 7.00pm on Friday 26th February 2010.
Please note, invitations for the last national academy session taking place on Sunday 7th March 2010 at Sandwell will be sent later this week to the respective riders and club secretaries will be informed via e-mail.
VARNISH BEATS OUT THE MESSAGE - IT'S TIME TO BE NUMBER ONE AGAIN - posted 22 February 2010
The day started with a review of the track and the two inch layer of snow that fell during the night. First plan was to clear the adjacent car park, but following discussions that idea was scraped. Thankfully local Sandwell stalwart Pete Dalley saved the day and offered to clear the neighbours circuit whilst the academy students were put through the first section of the day.
Following introductions Martin Gamble gave an overview of sports psycology and presented the benefits of a focused and committed approach to racing. In addition to this he reviewed the make up of success and the order of winning. Following this, the afternoon training session was underpinned with the message that "its time to become No1 again" with a theme based around raising the ceiling of performance. In some eyes there was a look of trepidation.
Following a transfer to the cleared Sandwell circuit the riders were split into two groups. Each group did the same session lasting around 45 minutes of quality track time. Starting with 50 lap warm up and ending with, the popular, "last man standing".. The session was based around building strength and will develop into power and then speed. Every rider gave 100%+ and now have a true measure of the level of training and effort that's required to race at the highest level.
There is no doubt given this level of drive, committed and ongoing development that this age group can dominate this sport once again. Remembering the mantra "(The fittest riders will always win".
ACADEMY DAY A RESOUNDING SUCCESS - posted 21 February 2010
The inaugural and much anticipated cycle speedway academy launched today (Sunday) at Wednesfield's Ashmore Park track even though the Midlands woke upto yet another white landscape.There were discussions and frantic phone calls with the organisers as to whether the event was to be called off but cycle speedway riders are a hardy bunch so it was decided to go ahead with the day even though there was a possibility that the track couldn't be used writes Andy Whitehouse.
Being a resourceful lot it was suggested the large carpark close by could be cleared and a tarmac track could be set out but eventually it was decided while the first classroom session was running a working party would travel the short distance to Sandwell and prepare their track for an afternoon's training.
Some of the sport's experts were on hand to pass on their knowledge to close on thirty young riders in the mornings classroom session.
Ian Brown opened proceeding with a brief outline of the days modified programme and introduced the coaching team. Ian Grange explianed why the Academy had been set up and what was hoped to be acheived from training sessions and how with the right attitude cycle speedway team GB could retain their rightful place as the World number one cycle speedway nation.
Former Irish international rider Martin Gamble, one of the first cycle speedway riders to qualify as a Level Two British Cycling coach with a deep understanding of the psychological side of racing, was asked to join the Academy coaching team to advise the young riders how to prepare for competition and why the correct attitude in their preparation is so important in reaching the top step of the podium.
Jimmy Varnish is regarded as one the sport's best riders and when he was crowned British Veterans champion a few ago he was the first British cycle speedway rider to win a British title in four different age catogories so when he agreed to be part of the coaching team for the Academy it was regarded a scoop for the team. A Level Three qualified track coach and father of Jess, Jimmy was the perfect choice to deliver a training plan for the young riders.
A quick break for lunch and the riders and parents travelled the short distance to the hastily prepared Sandwell track where the riders were given the chance to be put through their paces by Jimmy and to see how the winter months had rubbed away the race legs. Sounds of laboured breathing could be heard round the track during the warm up but there was to be no let up with the training plan and the riders were pushed to their limits in the afternoon session. The focus for the afternoon was how to develop leg strength on the bike and with the track quickly cutting up after the previous nights snowfall, it was beginning to tell on the tired legs but the riders to their credit pushed themselves to the final laps of the day.
The day proved a hugh success both with the coaching team but more importantly with the riders who went away from the sessions with a structure to their training and their mental preparation for their racing.
Speaking with one of the riders after the day he said "My legs kill but can't wait for the next one" Wait till tomorrow morning my friend.....
Thanks must be given to both Wednesfield Aces and Sandwell who turned over both their club rooms and track to the Academy for the day and without whose help and time the day would not have happened Organiser Ian Brown "Its been a great day and thanks must be passed on to the clubs for all their help with the project"
The Academy will continue on Sunday 28 March at a regional level, the Midlands and the North will be held at Stockport. Ipswich will host riders from the East and Poole will cater for the South and South Wales region.
The following week will be a National event and again will be held at Sandwell and this day will focus on riders who will be travelling to Poland for the European Championships in July.
WEATHER FAILS TO DAMPEN ACADEMY SPIRITS - posted 21 February 2010
Despite the dreadful weather, today's inaugural Youth Academy was very well supported with all 28 riders attending from all regions as planned.
The organisers had to do some quick thinking after the Ashmnore Park was covered in snow. The hosts, understandably, were reluctant to use the circuit for the on-track activities, so the afternoon action was switched to nearby Sandwell where the youngsters were put through a gruelling training session by coach Jim Varnish.
At one point early in the morning, it looked very bleak weather wise for many people including Martin Gamble who shared the principal coaching slots with Jim Varnish.
"Personally, I couldn't get out of my house with the overnight snowfall" Martin told spokesman-online. "But a few re-arranged journey plans and Ian Brown was able to pick me up after I walked into the village.
"Secondly, great work from Jimmy. He was really able to push the Academy for every ounce of effort and no one left the scene with energy to spare.
"Thirdly big thanks to Wednesfield for hosting the day and to Sandwell for allowing us to ruin their track after arrangements needed to be changed at the last minute because Wednesfield was completely unrideable due to the weather.
"Finally, thanks to Ian Brown (for also picking me up!), Ian Grange and Ivan Pike for setting up the day. A number of other coaches attended and will hopefully be able to cascade the techniques and modus operandi to their respective regions.
"If nothing else, I think that the day was a very worthhile event that will now be repeated in the regions and form the basis of future similar events that will bridge the gap between participation and excellence for our future stars and leaders in the sport" said Martin.
Editor's Note - We hope to bring you Ian Grange and Jim Varnish's feedback very soon.
TOUGH DAY AHEAD FOR ACADEMY YOUNGSTERS - posted 18 February 2010
The best young riders in the country will be heading for Wednesfield on Sunday to take part in the inaugural Academy day. And organisers have issued an early warning to the youngsters about turn-out, appearance and application.
Commissioner Ian Grange told Spokesman earlier today
"I would like to reiterate the point to all riders attending that their equipment, including bikes and clothing must be clean and in fully working order. The academy is a privilege to the riders in attendance and is a fantastic opportunity for riders to develop and reach their full potential. We need to start winning medals again in major competitions. In recent years our successes have dried up and we need to raise the bar of British Cycle Speedway. It won't be an easy process and it will take time, however the hard work starts on Sunday at Wednesfield and all riders should be ready for some hard work."
28 riders will attend Sunday’s session. Each rider will receive a support guide providing information about nutrition, hydration and pre-match preparation.
Riders will be split into two groups. The track session will be delivered by Jimmy Varnish and the sports psychology session will be delivered by Martin Gamble.
Between 11.30am - 12.15pm, there will be a small presentation and question and answer session to coaches, parents and guardians from BC Coach Education.
ACADEMY OPENS ON 21 FEBRUARY - posted 10 February 2010
British Cycling's Cycle Speedway Commission has confirmed that invitations to attend the first Academy day have gone out to all riders born in 1992 and 1993, together with a few selected riders born in 1994. The launch of the Academy is planned for Sunday 21 February at Wednesfield's Ashmore Park track and all 16 to 18 year old riders have been giventhe opportunity to attend.
The Commission has engaged three of its members, Ian Grange, Ian Brown and Ivan Pike, to oversee the project and deliver a structured programme that will not only achieveinternational success but ultimately improve the standard of British Cycle Speedway as a whole.
Speaking to Sheffield's Ian Brown earlier he said
"I was with the tour party in Poland and Australia during the last two years and it was quite obvious that we had fallen a little way behind our respective counterparts. Despite having one of the best junior competitions in the sport, we seemed to have lost the edge when it came to the world stage."
He went on to say
"It is therefore important that the Academy tackle this problem in two separate ways if it is to successfully raise the standard. Firstly it will provide a platform to a select group of riders to enable them to have the best chance of success in the short term. Secondly it will focus on skill development across the board to ensure that everybody has the best opportunity to develop and improve their game in the long term."
Invitees are reminded that their applications have to be received by 7pm Monday 15 February,they can be sent to academy@wosskowbrown.co.uk
MORE ACADEMY DETAILS ANNOUNCED - posted 4 February 2010
Following our earlier report, organisers of the new Youth Academy have released more details of tarining dates and venues.
Set up initially to prepare under-18 riders before they set off for the European Championships In Poland in July, the Academy will provide a solid race preparation platform for all under-18 riders in the coming season.
The Academy programme starts with three pre-season events, two national and one regional. The first national is planned for 21 February at Wednesfield's Ashmore Park track. Riders who were born in 1992/1993 and have shown an interest will be invited, along with selected riders born in 1994. Riders will be split into groups in a classroom environment: each group will cover and discuss nuitrition, preparation for competition, race tactics and fitness.
The second event will be held on the 28 February and again will be at a regional venue with the same group of riders as the first meeting. The venue will be released very shortly when final details are confirmed.
The third event is planned for 7 March at Sandwell and the number of riders will be limited. More detailed training will be given at this event and it is envisiged this will be where the hard work will begin in preperation for the European championships in Poland.
During the season there will be additional academy training days where coaches will be present to deliver structured training programmes to riders and offer advice to GB managers as they prepare for Poland.
For selected riders coaches will be available at the following matches:
Norwich Junior Grand Prix Wales v England England v Wales Young England Fixture Poole Junior Home International First National Round BYJL
Non selected riders will have access to the Academy coaches at the following:
Under-19 Club Championships Under-16 Club Championships Under-19 Individual Championships BYJL National Round One Ade Gale Poole Laurels
Applications to join the Academy should be sent to academy@wosskowbrown.co.uk and invites will also be sent direct to all club secretaries.
ACADEMY PROGRAMME UNVEILED - posted 31 January 2010
Details of the eagerly awaited Cycle Speedway Academy were unveiled by British Cycling yesterday.
The Academy has been set up initially to prepare under-18 riders before they set off for the Cycle Speedway European Championships In Poland in July and will continue to provide a solid race preparation platform for all Under-18 riders in the coming season.
Places on the Academy programme, which opens with three pre-season events, will be exclusively for riders born in 1992/1993 together with selected riders born in 1994.
The programme comprises three events, two national and one regional. The nationals take place at Wednesfield on Sunday 21 February and Sandwell on Sunday 7 March. Regional events will be held on Sunday 28 February at venues yet to be announced. Riders will be split into groups in a classroom environment. Each group will cover and discuss nuitrition, preparation for competition, race tactics and fitness.
During the season there will be additional Academy training days where coaches will be present to deliver structured training programmes to riders and offer advice to GB managers as they prepare for Poland.
YOUTH ACADEMY LAUNCHED - posted 4 December 2009
Sadly Great Britain has slipped from the top of the cycle speedway ladder and is now third in the international pecking order behind Australia and Poland. But that could all soon change, thanks to a new initiative by the Cycle Speedway Commission.
With assistance from British Cycling, the Commission is going to set up a new Youth Academy with a view to regaining Great Britain's international status as cycle speedway's most succesful nation.
Launching the new initiative at the Regional Conference in Birmingham, authors of the scheme, Ian Brown and Ivan Pike, emphasised that the Academy will have well defined targets including getting at least eight UK riders in the European junior championship final in Poland in 2010 with at least one British rider on the rostrum; producing a rider and/or team to win the 2011 World junior championships in the United States; staging an under-18s Home International involving all four home nations in 2012 and in 2013 regain the Junior Ashes and be World Junior Team and World individual champions in Australia.
The drive for excellence will require riders to take a far more professional approach to racing and training. Initially individuals will be identified by age eligibility and potential for level one coaching. Anyone who slips through the net will be picked up on a second trawl in an initial search for those with level two coaching potential.
The inaugural and much anticipated cycle speedway academy launched today (Sunday) at Wednesfield's Ashmore Park track even though the Midlands woke upto yet another white landscape.There were discussions and frantic phone calls with the organisers as to whether the event was to be called off but cycle speedway riders are a hardy bunch so it was decided to go ahead with the day even though there was a possibility that the track couldn't be used writes Andy Whitehouse.
Jimmy Varnish is regarded as one the sport's best riders and when he was crowned British Veterans champion a few ago he was the first British cycle speedway rider to win a British title in four different age catogories so when he agreed to be part of the coaching team for the Academy it was regarded a scoop for the team. A Level Three qualified track coach and father of Jess, Jimmy was the perfect choice to deliver a training plan for the young riders.
Thanks must be given to both Wednesfield Aces and Sandwell who turned over both their club rooms and track to the Academy for the day and without whose help and