NEWS: Monarchs go indoors as Ricki defends title

Cycle Speedway moves indoors this weekend as Coventry play host to the British Cycling Indoor Championships at the Coventry Sports Connexion Leisure Centre.

Birmingham Monarchs will be among the favourites to take the team title on Sunday, with a team of indoor specialists including reigning open champion Ricki Johnson.

Sunday will also see the accumulation of the senior, womens and junior individual finals whilst on Saturday will see all the individual qualifiers taking place, plus the Over 40’s final at 11am.

Action on both days start at 10am and will run through until around 8pm. Entrance and car parking is free, and there is a bar and food available throughout.

We caught up with Great Barr based rider, Nathan Groves, last week to talk about the indoors championships and his 2015 season.

Groves said, “It has been a good year for me and the club, especially being part of the team that won the Fours Championships, there is a great bunch of people at the club.

“My goals were to win at least one club title which we did. Also, to qualify for the British  Open Final, but unfortunately I missed out by 2 points.

Nathan Groves (grid 2) and Ricki Johnson (grid 4) racing outdoor in the Midland League. Picture by Paul Devine.

“As for the indoors, I love the indoor championships but sometimes work has to come first. Preperations are going good, same as before but with a new bike and new tyres.”

On Birmingham’s chances in the finals this weekend, Groves commented, “I definitely think we can win with the team we have, however our biggest threat has to be local rivals Wednesfield.”

With Birmingham entering the Elite League in 2016, Nathan believes the Monarchs are back where they belong. He said, “I think it’s about time we are back in the Elite League Series. It’s been a long time coming. We have good chance of winning the series, as so do other teams. I plan to do more training and gym work. Also with spinning as I think it helps with fitness and speed.”

Can Birmingham do it? Find out this weekend on 33/18 News!