PREVIEW: Norfolk Individual Championships

This Sunday 24 riders from Hethersett and Norwich Clubs will contest seven Norfolk titles when the Individual Championships are staged at the perfectly situated Eaton Park track, scene of the 2011 British Final but not used on a regular basis now. Club members have continued to maintain the circuit so some excellent racing is expected.

Proceedings open at 1 p.m. with Under-10s, Under-13s, Under-19s and Veterans Championships followed at 2.30 p.m. by the Under-16, Ladies and Senior events. The Championships are being partly sponsored by Carmichaels trophies.

This event kicks off a week of promotional activity aimed at expanding interest in the sport around Norwich. On Wednesday and Thursday local riders and Club officials will be on the Active Norfolk stand at the Norfolk Show as the organisation that develops and encourages sport in the county is featuring cycling prominently with the Tour of Britain due in September.

Friday it is time for some fun as a few Cycle Speedway riders will be the first to race on cycle-speedway bikes up the infamous Gas Hill Gasp. A popular event with local cyclists – former cycle speedway stars Danny Zagni and Tim Snook have been successful – but not on cycle speedway bikes!! Let us hope our competitors do not roll back down as the absence of brakes will lead them straight for the River Wensum!!

Next Saturday both Clubs will be joining forces to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Procession in the City. Almost 100 various floats and parade items are taking part and the Clubs will be in fancy dress on bikes with promotional material and giving out stickers.

Norwich are fortunate to have a rest from racing on the following Sunday but Hetherset have a key top-of-the-table clash at Ipswich Eagles.