On the site this week, there’s a great series of interviews from the Track World Cup in Sydney, where GB warmed up for the World Championships with five gold medals and two silvers – hear what the riders have to say about their performances. There’s also news of the team for that World Championships. The site also has its usual news and updates from the domestic scene in the UK. Check out the right hand menu of the results homepage for the latest standings in National Series.

British Cycling has appointed Jonny Clay to head up the next phase of its ongoing Competition Review, a root and branch review of the sport of cycling in the UK. Jonny is to be seconded from his current role, as the Yorkshire and North-East Regional Talent Manager, until the end of the year. British Cycling has already surveyed its membership, through an on-line questionnaire and run an exhaustive series of open regional workshops throughout the UK. The next phase of the Review involves working with British Cycling’s various Divisions, Event Organisers, Commissions and Officials to further develop the recommendations which have come out of the Review to date and turn them into a new framework and infrastructure for organised cycling in the UK. British Cycling believe that this crucial part of the Review process requires full-time project management, a role which Jonny Clay will fulfill over the next 7 months.

Jonny Clay had a long and highly successful career as a professional cyclist, winning many national and international honours in Road, Track and Mountain Bike events. He finished his career on a high with a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in the Team Pursuit. He has been British Cycling’s Regional Talent Manager for Yorkshire and the North East, working on the Talent Team programme (see pic above), since 2001, having previously spent five years on the British Cycling Board.

British Cycling’s President, Brian Cookson said: "I am delighted that Jonny Clay has agreed to take on this vital role. Jonny is one of the most respected figures in our sport, an Olympic medallist with top level experience on road, track and mountain biking. More than that, he has a lifelong love of the sport and a real desire to see all aspects of it thrive. In recent years, he has shown through his commitment to his work with British Cycling, that he has the skills and personality to take on a major initiative like this. I have every confidence in him and am sure that he will receive the full support of everyone in the sport".
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BC NATIONAL TRACK COMMISSAIRES COURSE NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES - 21ST/22ND AUGUST 2004

The next opportunity for Division Commissaires to Upgrade to National Level will be held during the BC National Track Championships to be run in Newport South Wales. The course itself will be run over the weekend of 21st-22nd August, but where available, those attending this course will be encouraged to work as an official at the championships themselves. These run over the period 17th- 21st August. Applicants are expected to have at least three years experience of working at Division Level as a Track Commissaire and be aged under 60. Individuals can apply for this course themselves or can be nominated by their Division. Whilst there is no cost to candidates to attend the course itself, those wishing to attend will be required to cover their own personal expenses where they are unable to work at the Championships. Application forms can be obtained from mailto:paulwest@britishcycling.org.uk on request.

British Cycling's National BMX Racing is coming to Peterborough on Saturday 29th May and Sunday 30th May and with the top riders battling it out for their National ranking it's going to be an exciting weekend. Here’s how it pans out:
Friday
Camping is open from 4pm, and for those early birds we have teamed up with the Peterborough Panthers Speedway Team to get you discounted tickets for their Friday Night Meeting.

Saturday (Practice Day)
There is a small charge for car parking (daily or weekend pass). Competitors have open practice between 11:00 and 13:00, and age categorised gate practice between 14:00 to 17:00. Registration is between 14:00 to 16:00 including riders 'goody bag'.

For those not riding there will be plenty to do: Rockingham Motor Speedway will have the Darkness 1969 Ford Mustang on show - complete with flames and Darkness logos - it was used by the band to arrive in style at the recent BRITs, where they picked up three awards, including Best Album for their smash hit 'Permission to Land'. We have quad-bikes, music by local girl Chloe who rocked NASS03, and much much more. Saturday Night there is a BMX Street Jam at Y2S8 Parc with a cash for tricks comp from 6pm

Sunday (Race Day)
Competitors have their final gate practice between 08:30 and 09:45. Racing will start with the Evening Telegraph Opening Ceremony at 10:00.
To be confirmed are hole-shot competitions for both 19+ and Superclass.
Win a driving experiance at Rockingham Motor Speedway with our 'pit stop' challenge.
More Details: www.peterboroughphantomsbmx.co.uk

An event for your diaries this weekend is annual Cyclists' Memorial Service taking place at the Cyclists' War Memorial, Meriden Green, Meriden in Birmingham at 11am this coming Sunday 23 May..

The service recognises the anniversary of the unveiling of the Memorial on May 21st 1921. The original unveiling attracted a crowd of 20,000 cyclists and the ceremony was carried out by Lord Birkenhead. There was also an informal laying of wreaths. The memorial was raised in memory of the many cyclists who gave their lives in the Great War and in 1963 an additional bronze plaque was added to commemorate those who died during World War Two. With a couple of hundred cyclists attending every year, the Memorial service remains one of the largest gatherings of cyclists in the country and with readings and hymns, it is poignant event. This year, former Executive Board member Lewis Hall will read the lesson on behalf of British Cycling.

At the start of each round of the National Elite Circuit Series, all riders will be held in a pen, or by other means, well back from the start line. Riders who lie in the top twenty in the overall series standings will then be called to the line by the Chief Commissaire in order of their current position in the national standings. They will be able to take the start position of their choice.

The previous year's winner of an event will be called first, even if they are not in the top twenty series standings.

"At it's meeting on 8 May 2004, the Board of British Cycling noted reports that Jamie Alberts has produced a positive finding for the anabolic steroid "Stanozolol" following his win in the Monts du Luberon race in France last March and further that he has admitted to having used this banned substance. The Board decided that, with immediate effect, Jamie Alberts shall not be permitted to compete in cycling events in Great Britain, pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing which is currently being conducted by the French Cycling Federation. As a result of this decision, Jamie Alberts was not permitted to start in the Lincoln Grand Prix on 9 May 2004."

KEIRIN ENTRY EXTENSION
The closing date for the three British Cycling National Keirin Championships at Herne Hill Velodrome has been extended to May 25th. Word from the organisers is that at May 17th the Junior and Womens events had attracted only three entries each, while business was brisk for the Senior Men's event.

The Alpine Bikes Chaser closing date is the 22nd May so get those entries in today. The reason for the early cut off is to send all competitors a race pack which includes the entry to the main UCI event area. Without the pass (which allows you to watch the Downhill Finals ) you will need to pay to get it so you can make it to the sign on and start area located in the race village.If you are driving all the way up to Ft William for the weekend anyway why not try the Witches X-C course set up the same way the Pro's ride it... but you need to be quick. http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

The organizers of the Bob Jackson Cycles Road Race, Skipwith, N. Yorkshire on weds 26 May have been in touch with us to try to drum up some more support for their event, which has over 30 places left. Skipwith is a delightful village between Selby and York, well within reach of Leeds, Bradford and Hull. The course is pretty much flat, through some stunning coutryside on some very quiet roads. Open to 3^rd and 4^th cats plus juniors and women, it’s a great chance to give road racing a try. With three laps of a 20km course, you’ll never be far from the start. Why not give it a go, and sample the wonderful Drovers Arms, the race HQ. Oh and there’s £200 cash + over £200 worth in other prizes up for grabs. The details are as follows: 3.4.W.J 58km 19.30 £12 (£17). Entries to Matthew Payne, Bob Jackson Cycles, Station Buildings, Stanningley Road, Leeds LS13 3EG - 0113 255 9844 sales@bobjacksoncycles.co.uk - Cheques to M.Payne.

Another race, indeed series of races, short of entries in Yorkshire is the Yorks Summer Wine Handicap RR League, which consists of four events on successive Thursday evenings on 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th June. The events take place close to the village of Holmfirth, home to the TV series Last of the Summer Wine, an area of outstanding countryside, and awesome cafes! Organiser Peter Root reports that the majority of entries received so far are fourth and third cat riders and he reminds all riders thinking of riding the series that the handicapping usually ensures that everyone has a great chance of competing. So, get your entries in quick or we could loose one of the most beginner-friendly series out there. Contact: Peter Root, Tel: 01484 681625 peterroot@britishcycling.freeserve.co.uk

OFF-ROAD NEWS

DRAGON CROSS COUNTRY
Abergavenny host round 3 of the Dragon Cross Country Series this Sunday. The course will start off on a short lead in downhill section in the field above the car park and then join the main anticlockwise loop on the uphill track to the Farm half way up the hill. After crossing the farm yard the track goes right through a gate and switches back for a further 50 m climb before traversing a field. A further short climb takes you to the top at 342m. From here it is mainly downhill through technical wooded sections although there is still some wetland field crossings before the final sweeping decent through a woodland and 2 river crossings and into the main arena field at the bottom of the course. The U12s will be set a shorter course within a safe distance from the main spectator area in the lower fields. Car Parking is Free and toilets and refreshment facilities will be available. For further details, call Owen davies on: 01873 850254 or go to the website: www.abergavennyrc.org.uk/

SCOTTISH CROSS COUNTRY
Round 3 of the 2004 Scottish SXC Cross Country Mountain Bike XC series takes place on Sunday 23rd May at the course in Pitmedden Forest near Auchtermuchty in Fife. Already after two rounds the men's Elite category looks like it will be hotly contested with several strong contenders challenging. James Ochterlony of Angus Bike Chain leads the way with a first and a second place from SXC1 & SXC2 closely followed by James Fraser-Moodie, Pedal Power R.T. (6th & first) and Paul Newnham, Halfords Bikehut (2nd & 3rd). Behind them are reigning Scottish Cross Country Champion, Bruce McCleary, Last years SXC series winner, Ian Nimmo and SCU development riders, Gareth Montgomerie and Robert Wardell. In the ladies Elite Class Ruth McGavigan, Eastern Region Velo/ Bianchi UK leads the way after finishing second in both early races. Winners of the first two races were Hazel Wakefield, Eastern Region Velo/ Bianchi UK and Jenny McCauley, Team Velo Ecosse. They will all be pressed by fast improving SCU development rider, 17 year old Catherine Niblock of Drumlanrig.com/Ricks Bike Shed. Other riders to look out for include leading Junior, Alistair Millar, Drumlanrig.com/Ricks Bike Shed and Ross and Hamish Crebar, Sandy Wallace Cycles who are prominent in the Youth categories.Full details and entry forms are available on the website www.sxc.org.uk/main.asp. Advance entries are accepted up to 1 week before the event though entry on the day is OK but at an extra cost of £5 (fun and school categories exempt).

BMX NORTH REGIONAL
BMX racing has witnessed an increase in numbers racing recently. The first 2 Nationals of the season have had over 320 riders compete and last Sunday, 4 successful regional races took place in different parts of England. Over 450 riders competing on the same weekend is down to the great work that clubs are doing in all regions, consistent high standards at national events and increased media awareness through the great work that the No Clips team have achieved through their Saturday evening series at nationals.

There's only one domestic race this weekend and that's at Winsford in Cheshire. It's a new track with an enthusiastic team of locals behind getting the local kids into racing. Although there is still work to bring the track up to standard, it still provides great racing and the North region are fully committed in bringing this venue on. Registration is from 10.30am until 11.30am and racing should commence around Midday. For further information, call club secretary Linda Griffiths on 01606 551341 or north region secretary Tracy Parry on 01257 241533

May 29-30 BMX National Round 3 at Peterborough. This event takes place over 2 days with registration and practice on Saturday and racing Sunday. For event information, call British Cycling on 0161 274 2022 or club secretary Jackie Smith on 01733 763718.

May 29-30. NPS Downhill round 2 and National 4X series round 3 at Moelfre Hall. Saturday morning sees Downhill & 4X sign on & practice and the afternoon seeding run for Downhill followed by the 4X racing in the evening. For further information call British Cycling on 0161 274 2022 or Dave Morgan for Downhill on 0870 8000 234 or Chris Roberts for 4X on 07702 826260. Event websites are www.npsdownhill.co.uk and www.nps4x.com

May 30. The Kenda Midland Cross Country Series takes place at Cannock Chase in the West Midlands on Sunday. Round one was a great success and Cannock is a popular venue, so expect the increased numbers participating in XC racing to continue. For event details, call Alan Verney on 07941 140199, email: alan.verney@virgin.net or visit www.shokwave-racing.co.uk Entry prices range from £6.00 for the under 12's through to £15.00 for Senior.

May 29-30. The hugely popular Merida 100 Marathon series has it's first event of the year at Rhayder, Wales. The Saturday will start with registration and a pasta party with the ride getting underway at around 10.00am Sunday morning. There's much more information available on the event website www.mtb-marathon.co.uk or email John Lloyd on: info@mtb-marathon.co.uk

LATEST ROAD CALENDAR UPDATES

North West Division
20th May 2004
Birkenhead Park Circuit Races
CANCELLED

North East Division
3rd/4th July
Grainger Trophy, Red Row Sports Centre, Red Row, Northumberland.
E/1/2/3/4 Stage 1- 42km, Stage 2-160km £34.00
Mike Hodgson, Briarwood, Edmunbyers, Co. Durham. DH8 9NN. Cheques payable to Tyne Valley CC

North East Division
4th July
Zeus CRT RR
CANCELLED

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