Swindon Cycle Speedway Weekend
CTC’s Big Lottery funded Cycle Champions project and Swindon Cycle Speedway Club offered free coaching to anyone who wanting to try something new over the summer months.
Specialist bikes and helmets were provided alongside free tuition from professional coaches and members of the club. Participants of all ages were encouraged to try a sport that is exciting and fun, but also a fantastic way of improving health.
Cycle speedway is an exhilarating form of bicycle racing on short flat oval dirt tracks, usually outdoors, occasionally indoors, and typically 70-90 metres long.
Like motorcycle speedway, riders use bikes without brakes or multiple gears. The object is to use speed and tactics to beat three other opponents on the track within four laps. High standard races often involve risky overtaking and shoulder barging, however, rules apply and crashing is nowhere near as severe as road cycling and mountain biking.
Club Secretary and Team Manager, Daniel Harper, said:
“We are so lucky to have our very own permanent speedway circuit behind the Oasis that is free to use at any time. Swindon Cycle Speedway Club, The Robins, meet every Wednesday at 6pm to train and anyone can join in.”
Thanks to the support of CTC and British Cycling, the club have recently purchased bikes for children of seven years and upwards to ensure equipment can be provided during the weekend and also during club training sessions.
For more information about Cycle Speedway and other Cycle Champions activities in Swindon, visit the CTC website.
Published by: Travel Actively on Thursday August 04 2011
