WEEKEND PREVIEW: Cycle Speedway Elite League Round One

The Cycle Speedway Elite League begins again this weekend and we’ve got a cracker expected at Hearsall Common in Coventry.

Ipswich make their way to Coventry for their first meeting with the West Midlands side for some years. The Eagles have been boosted by the capture of former World Number 2, Australian Cody Chadwick, and boast an impressive squad of youth and experience, as well as strength in numbers.

The Eagles can call on Hethersett’s Dan Chambers, and the Leicester contingent of World Vets champion Craig Marchant and vets number three Kev Burns. Local lads Josh Brooke, Adam Peck, Charlie Rumbold and fast starting Matt Hill just scratch the surface of the talent the Suffolk side have available, who also have a plethora of juniors ready to step up to the big stage.

Cov v Ipswich-web

Coventry compete in the Elite League for the first time and will have many of their winter signings out in force, including Polish World number 2, Michal Sassek. The Leszno youngster impressed at the 2015 world championships and is likely to feature, as a direct replacement for Coventry’s domiciled Pole of the last decade, Dominik Rycharski, who is in Poland.

Three times British Champion Andy Angell makes his debut, along with the Manchester trio of Chris Parish, Ben Hingham and Jake Read. Coventry riders Myke Grimes, Bobby McMillan, Dan Drewett and Mason Phillips are all likely to feature, with Sheffield’s Adam Watson and Leicester’s bright prospect, Michael Baldock completing their squad.

Both sides are capable of recording an early season victory and there is not much between the two teams to suggest it will be anything other than a close match.

Coventry are also hosting two additional matches, at 12:30pm an U13 Olympic GP takes place. Any young riders wishing to join in from any club simply need to email mykegrimes@me.com before 8pm on Saturday 2nd April to be included in the draw. Following the main event, a combination fixture takes place between Coventry and the Eagles.

The opening match between Poole and Horspath has been rescheduled after both clubs felt they were unable to safely stage an Elite League fixture due to soft ground making increased footfall unsuitable for the surrounding areas at the Harbourside and Horspath’s volunteers otherwise engaged due to a nearby sporting event. The new date is not yet confirmed.

Elite League champions, Wednesfield will also feature this weekend, as Birmingham welcome the Aces to Perry Hall Park for an Elite League Exhibition fixture, after all Elite League sides have agreed to honour Birmingham’s fixtures as challenge matches.

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Champions Wednesfield take on Birmingham in an Elite League Exhibition match

The Aces will no doubt be tracking a strong team and may include some new signings including top Scot Mikey Hewitson, Welshman Nicky Evans and Reece Pollitt.

Birmingham will have their strong Midland League squad to choose from, along with the additions of East Park’s Jamie Ball, Luke Draisey and Jamie Whetton. Ryan Hoyland of Sheffield could also appear for the Monarchs.

Birmingham riders Chris Timms and Scott Millward have signed for Horspath for the 2016 Elite League campaign, whether or not they race for the Hammers greatly depends on how successful their exhibition matches with the Monarchs go.

Come over to 33/18 News on Sunday evening to find out who drew the first blood in the 2016 Elite League series.