HOME INTERNATIONAL: Mullinder announces England Vets team
Junior GB manager, Steve Mullinder, has picked the England team for the first Veteran’s Home International, taking place at Hull next weekend (16th July 2016).
We spoke to Steve earlier this week and he gave us a run down of his team selection.
MARK WHITEHEAD, Leicester
“Mark has been part of Leicester British Vets Club winning team for the last 3 years. A consistent and reliable rider who can raise his game for the big occasion.
“Mark has won two British Indoor titles, as well as taking second place in the World Vets in Australia and second in the European Vets in Poland.
“Mark is currently standing 3rd overall in the 2016 Eurovets series.”
MARK GRIFFITHS, Wednesfield Aces
“Mark is a Wednesfield club man through and through, “Mr Professional”.
“Mark is fast at gating and with his track knowledge can beat the best on his day. At the ripe young age of 49 he is still riding with the best in the sport in the elite league.
“Mark missed out on becoming world senior champion after a run off with Dave Hemsley in 1990 and has also finished third. He has been on the rostrum twice finishing third both times in the British senior championships.
“Mark was Eurovets champion in 2011, 2012 and 2013. This all adds to the numerous club honours he has achieved, and after all that, he has never before been picked to ride for his country.”
PETE CHANT, Poole
“Pete is an ever present rider for his club. A reliable lad who travels up and down the country, not just for his club but competes in the Eurovets.
“Pete is a hard but fair rider and has impressed with his 100% effort and commitment.”
JASON KEITH, Northumbria
“Jason, another one of the vets that travel hundreds of miles through the season to race in either league racing or Eurovets competitions.
“This likeable Geordie came back into the sport in 2011 to ride for Newcastle after a period out of the sport.
“Another hard rider who made it to the world vets final in 2015 and is part of the Northumbria vets silver medal winning team from the British club championships in 2016. He is a rider that gives 100%.”
CRAIG MARCHANT, Leicester
“Craig Marchant, World Veterans Champion. Say no more. Craig is a true gent and clubman through and through.
“By his own admission he has found a fresh start in the sport this year, not only by helping to build his club, but competing in the Euro-vets competition which he currently leads.
“He is also part of Leicester British Veterans Club team who again took Gold this year. Craig also finished in the runner-up spot last year in the British Vets championship.”
Steve continued: “It is going to be a pleasure and a honour being team manager for these 5 lads and I know they will give me and their country 100%. Good luck to the other nations and have a great day.”
Thanks for talking to us Steve, we hope to bring you the rest of the Home International team news this week and next.