A FREE-to-attend Saturday morning cycle attraction for young people in Coventry made a highly successful debut last Saturday as multiple youngsters tried cycle speedway.
The ‘Dirt Bike Club’, which aims to attract young people to have a go at the fast paced sport of cycle speedway, has attracted backing from British Cycling and the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Sports Partnership.
Despite dark clouds and persistent rain falling before the scheduled 10am start time, organisers were delighted with the attendance – and they expect numbers to grow over the next several weeks.
The first event attracted youngsters from Rugby and surrounding villages near the Bretford Playing Field track including Stretton, Brandon, Pailton, Brinklow and Wolston.
Aimed at eight to 18-year-olds, each session will give new and first time riders the basic skills of the sport of cycle speedway and a chance to take part in racing.
Previously home to the Bretford Bulldogs, the Brandon track has undergone a complete refurbishment and has now been restored to its former glory after being taken over by the booming Coventry Cycle Speedway club.
Official British Cycling coach Myke Grimes, who supervised last Saturday’s opening Dirt Bike Club, said: “We were dismayed to get to the track last Saturday to find rain falling and we feared for the attendance after all our hard work.
“However, it was soon apparent it was going to be a fantastic success when lots of vehicles began arriving – filled with excited youngsters all keen to have a go at what is by far the most exciting cycle sport in the UK.
“They all had a great time and many parents thanked us for our hard work in bringing the track back into use and providing a much needed activity for young people in the area.”
The Dirt Bike Club continues this Saturday (July 16) and on Saturday 23 and Saturday July 30.
If you’re interested in attending the free Saturday morning cycle speedway sessions, call 07818 033766.
