2003 and Beyond at READING VELODROME

A new brand name has been adopted by Reading Track Cycling League, Reading Velodrome Racing. It is designed to give an updated image for our Sponsors and is a slicker title. The traditional Club Affiliation fee has been withdrawn, and in future any rider with a BC licence may join the organisation.

Under the new name, the same organisation will, in 2003, embark on its biggest ever programme of 19 ‘members only’ Monday evening race meetings for all categories including, masters, seniors, juniors and youths starting on April 28th. The youth racing will be boosted by newcomers from local schools brought in by the new Wheel Base @ Reading Academy talent coach Graham Hindle (contact 01189 462 941).

In addition Reading Velodrome Racing will promote three ‘open to all’ meetings, the first of which opens formal racing for 2003 at Reading on Easter Monday April 21st which will complete the Bank Holiday series in the South with Herne Hill, Calshot, and Portsmouth. Promoter John Dennis will invite our current World Champions and other world class riders to Reading with the aim of introducing our cycling heroes to a wider audience, particularly to the many track racing fans living west of London.

 The other ‘open to all’ meetings are on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th and Sunday July 20th when the British Cycling’s National Derny paced Championship and a session of the National Sprinter’s League head up a full supporting programme.

Winter training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings are due to re-open in January with the aim of establishing structured programmes. On Monday evenings, before the racing season opens, Reading Velodrome Racing’s youth training programme will combine with the Academy in offering a full range of activities for youngsters including members of Palmer Park Velo youth club who can use this facility to supplement their Saturday morning meetings. Structured and specialised training will continue throughout the racing season. The programme of Monday evening League racing is open to all comers and starts on April 28th and will run every Monday with the exception of May 5th and August 25th until September 15th. Bad light never stops racing at Reading, the Velodrome is served by superb flood lighting, and even if heavy rain prevents high speed work on the track racing will continue on competition rollers on long term loan from Harlow Cycling Club, so it is non stop racing.

The League racing programme for 2003 has been given a boost due to the generosity of a new sponsor Tiger.com. The sprint and endurance series, which run throughout the season, will have additional prizes of £650 added to the normal League points values. There will be cash on offer in both events every week, and a bonus for the leaders at the end of the season. Reading’s own daily newspaper has indicated continued media and financial support and regional TV organisations, Meridian and BBC South are expected to strengthen public awareness of cycle racing in the area.

 Four new League Championships are to be introduced to the programme for 2003. There will be Clive Sturgeon cups for the winners of the season long Derny paced and Keirin titles and new Dennis trophies for the Master’s Derny paced title race and the season long overall Masters Champion. British Cycling Central Division’s new Track Secretary, Colin Garnham has also indicated his willingness to stage the Division’s Sprint and Endurance Championships and a new 4,000 metres individual pursuit title at the Velodrome. Reading Velodrome Racing, the first organisation to introduce regular Derny motor paced racing has set the standard for this type of sport in England. Firmly established in Europe, Reading is keen to help other promoters in this country follow suit, and for an experimental season in 2003 is willing to provide its Derny motors with drivers for no cost, to those willing to introduce this style of racing. Only the cost of transportation, fuel and insurance cover costs will be asked for.

Derny motor enquiries to : Colin Garnham, Derny Manager, 15 Walter Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 3JB, 01189 787695, e-mail: Garnham@15 walter.freeserve.co.uk