LETTERS: ML2 over 14 only rule working well

Leicester’s Tim Jarvis has written in with regards to a ruling imposed on the Midland League by TLI, that over 14s and under 14s are not allowed to race each other competitively and how it’s working for the Midland clubs.

The one and only condition imposed on the Midland League by TLI was that under and over 14’s would not be racing each other. As combination racing has traditionally consisted of a mixture of age groups, I think clubs were genuinely concerned about the practicalities of operating under this new ruling. After much deliberation the league adopted a flexible two tier combination, realising that numbers could be sparse, especially at U14 level, a four rider formula was borrowed from the SW for use in such circumstances.

This move has of course been forced upon the ML, but if the matches I’ve witnessed are anything to go by, it’s the best thing that could have happened. The matches now seem to feature closer racing and the kids seem to be enjoying competing at their own level. The dubious spectacle of a 40 year old lining up next to a 8 year old are now behind us. Putting aside any preference for TLI or BC maybe this is something the sport as a whole should be looking at?

Do you have an opinion on anything Cycle Speedway related? Email us: newsroom@3318news.co.uk.