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Cycle Speedway Academy Launched

Story posted February 23, 2010; by Andy Whitehouse

Update (Feb 24): After the success of the first National cycle speedway academy, the training sessions now move to three regional venues this coming Sunday(28th). Ipswich host the East of the country while Poole take care of the South West and Wales region and finally Stockport look after the Midland and North riders.
 
Any rider born 1992 through 1995 are invited to attend the sessions in their respective regions but are advised that bikes and kit are required to be fully operational and clean.  Any rider wishing to be part of the sessions must confirm their attendance by mailing -- academy@wosskowbrown.co.uk  or  calling Ian Grange 07814752407

Academy Launched

The inaugural and much anticipated Cycle Speedway Academy launched on Sunday at Wednesfield's Ashmore Park track even though the Midlands woke up to 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 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.

Being a resourceful lot, it was suggested the large car park 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 afternoons training. Some of the sport's experts were on hand to pass on their knowledge to thirty young riders in the morning’s classroom session.
 
Ian Brown opened proceedings with a brief outline of the days modified programme and introduced the coaching team. Ian Grange explained why the Academy had been set up and what was hoped to be achieved 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 2 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 sports 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 categories 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 GB track sprinter 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.

Slideshow from the day from Andy Whitehouse

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. The riders to their credit though, pushed themselves through the final laps of the day.
 
The day proved a huge 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 are killing me but I can't wait for the next one"  … wait til 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 explained "it’s 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 28th 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 see a National event and again it will be held at Sandwell and this day will focus on riders who will be travelling to Poland for the European Championships in July.
 
Further details about the Academy can be sourced from Ian Brown  at academy@wosskowbrown.co.uk  and Ivan Pike at ivan@cycle-speedway.co.uk