Under the influence of Motorcycle speedway the 'Skid Kids' of post war Britain took to bomb holes, cleared through the rubble to create short fast rough tracks to race their bikes on an emulate their idols of the motorcycle speedway world.
Using bikes that were otherwise un-road worthy cycle speedway took off right across the UK with 300 clubs exciting in London alone at one point and over 30 clubs in Cardiff!
Over the years the sport has declined in popularity but in one part of Wales Cycle Speedway is still absolutely thriving, Newport is the home of both Newport Cycle Speedway club and East Newport cycle speedway club - the only two remaining clubs in Wales who compete in this short fast and furious form of bike racing The two teams compete in the south and South Wales race league, and today the two teams will compete in the Welsh Derby in a team race.
Four riders on the track at one time two from each team will race 4 laps of the 80 metre track across 20 rounds throughout the day, with riders picking up points for their positions in each round and adding to the total team tally - tactics are used to slow the race down from the front to allow their team mates to over take other racers, undertakes, sprints and a certain degree of contact is on the menu today at Newport International Sports village and the home of Newport Cycle Speedway club.
A deep history of cycle speedway racing dating back to the 2nd World War continues here as the Welsh Derby teams go head to head in an exciting match.
26 авг 2024
