YOUTH ACADEMY

20 RIDERS BRAVE WET CONDITIONS - posted 27 February 2011

Twenty riders attended today's training session at Leicester, the number being slightly down on previous events.  No doubt the after effects of the previous nights BC presentations must have been a factor in this. Steve Harris, with the help of Ian Brown and Carl Jarvis, put the riders through their paces on a track made heavy and difficult by constant rain, both track and riders performing well given the conditions.

ACADEMY PROVING POPULAR - posted 21 February 2011

Newport CSC played host to the cycle speedway Academy training session on a chilly but more importantly dry day on Sunday.  Over 30 riders went through some technical and physical track training under the guidance of coaches Stuart Raven, Anthony Bennett and Ian Brown on the large Welsh circuit that was in perfect condition. 

Newport secretary Colin Simmons summed up the sessions by saying "These out-of-season get togethers are proving both beneficial and popular among the riders."

Riders warm-up ahead of yesterday's Academy day at Newport


FANTASTIC TURN OUT FOR REGIONAL ACADEMY - posted 13 February 2011

South Wales & South regional chairman Dave Murphy has reported that there was a great turn-out at Filton (in Bristol) for today;s Academy session, considering the appalling weather - ie torrential rain and very cold.

"We were pleased to see 37 riders participating along with a large gathering of parents and club officials who also braved the conditions to spectate, with particularly good response from South Wales, Devon, Dorset and Oxfordshire."

Murphy commented that "Although the riders had to endure tough conditions, at least they'd chosen to be their as part of their enthusiastic approach to the sport of cycle speedway....but strong praise and appreciation must be offered to 'volunteer'  Rob Absalom who undertook most of the coaching from the centre green and looked like a North Sea trawlerman by the end of the afternoon."

Highly respected regional coach Tony Bennett was also on hand to help organise the on track activity (before attending the regional referees seminar) while the Filton club, led by John Marks, ensured that the circuit and facility was prepared for the visiting riders and officials. John also ensured that local councillors were on hand to see what can be achieved in providing sport for young people.

The general feeling was that many will be making the same effort to attend the next Academy session at Newport next Sunday, with the hope that the South Wales weather will be kinder and more hospitable.  It should be noted that riders from other regions will be most welcome at the Newport velodrome, when Wales coach Stuart Raven will be on hand to assist Tony Bennett in putting the riders through their paces.


Youngsters being put through their paces at the South & South Wales Academy day at Filton, Bristol

26 RIDERS ATTEND ACADEMY DAY - posted 8 February 2011

The Cycle Speedway Commission launched the 2011 academy on Sunday with Wednesfield playing host to a national event involving riders aged 15 to 17 years of age. In addition riders preparing for the World Championship in USA were in attendance as the focus of the session was core fitness.
 
Despite horrendous weather during the week, the track was superb and produced an excellent surface to train on which was a testament to the Wednesfield club who had clearly worked tirelessly in the lead upto the event .Twenty-six riders attended the session and were put through their paces over a three hour period by coaches Steve Harris, Ian Brown and Bob Prince.

After a 20 minute warm up, all 26 riders were split up into six groups and took to the track for the traditional pyramid session which very quickly identifies who has and who hasn't maintained their fitness over the winter. After some lighter training the session finished off with a number of relay races with riders of similar ability which provided great entertainment to the watching crowd. The session concluded with a debriefing and sandwiches and refreshments provided by the club.
 
Ian Brown said "The Commission would like to publicly thank the Wednesfield club for their superb hospitality today which definitley ensured the session was a success"
 
Further sessions are planned over the rest of  the month as follows:
 
Eastern region - coach Ian Grange
February 13th - No session planned as Ian is unavailable
February 20th - Harford Park Norwich - 12.00pm start - CANCELLED
 
South and South Wales - Coach Tony Bennett and Dave Murphy
February 13th - Filton - 12.00pm start
Febraury 20th - Newport - 12.00pm start
 
North and Scotland/Midlands - Coach Ian Brown and Bob Prince
February 13th - Stockport - 12.00pm start - CANCELLED
February 20th - Newport - 12.00pm start
 
Final National event  - a Great Britain trial out
February 27th - Leicester - 12.00pm start
 
If you would like any further information please contact Ian Brown on or 07711 939333