CLUB NEWS: Monarchs get ready for new season

Words by Steve Hodgkinson

Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway Club are preparing for a new season of racing in 2020. The
senior side have been strengthened by the signing of Ipswich rider Charlie Rumbold who is now
based in the Midlands. One of Ireland’s best riders and a solid asset to the GB squad he is a
welcome addition to the Monarch’s team.

New signing Charlie Rumbold (outside) of new Birmingham team mate Chris Timms in British Championship action

The season starts for Birmingham this Sunday (8th) with a challenge fixture away to Horspath in
Oxford whilst the Monarchs squad have been back training since mid January whilst the weather has
allowed.
The first official fixture is the following Sunday (15th) with the opening Gold Cup meeting at a
Wednesfield as we face Coventry. 2 weeks later is the first official Midland league fixture as we travel
across to East Park in all 3 divisions competition. 22nd sees us host the Gold Cup fixture although
hosts don’t take part. 5th April is the first official ML at Perry Hall Playing Fields as Leicester are our
visitors in Midland League action.
Other competitions are set to take to the track in Birmingham this season. We host a round of the
Eurovets competition in July (25th) whilst on 6th June we host the final round of the Midlands YJL.
On 15th August we host a round of the Women’s League whilst the next day sees the men’s Battle of
Britain competition in what will be an exciting weekend of track action.
Two weeks ago the club held their presentation evening at the Aston Manor Cricket Club with awards
voted for on the night. Paul Heard won Senior Rider of the year along with Managers choice , Charlie
Buet Gannon was voted Junior rider of the year. Club-person of the year went to Colin Humphries.
Training sessions continue every Sunday (weather permitting) from 11am onwards. Contact the club
if you want to come along and try. Free for any age!
Follow the Monarchs on birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com, on Facebook @Birmingham
Monarchs Cycle Speedway Club or on Twitter @brummonarchs.