HOME INTERNATIONALS: Women’s Regional Pairs

May 31, 2024 Andrew Parr

Leading the way to Leicester

Tomorrow the cream of Women’s Cycle Speedway travel to Leicester, this time for the annual battle of the Women’s Regional Pairs. The North and Scotland have retained the accolade of Champions for five consecutive years! Can they make it six or will this be the year to crown new winners and maybe even the dawn of a new era? Many say it is going to be too close to call, “This season the women’s racing has gotten so close. I think we are in for a closely fought match with some good racing!” Now is the time to meet the riders and make your predictions.

North & Scotland

Multiple times British Champion Emily Burgess and race partner Laura Watson are reunited as the representatives of the North and Scotland. Laura has been out of action for a while due to an injury but looked sharp and impressive at the recent Laurels, finishing just off the podium. Laura has many years experience and knows what it takes to stand on that top step in this event. She is always in the action and someone you want on your team. Team mate Emily Burgess is a massive talent and this has been recognised by the Cycle Speedway Commission with in her recent nomination for Sporting Hero in the 100 Women in Cycling.

The power pairing will be out to defend their title, can you dare bet against them? Not sure the other teams are going to let them have it all their own way.

South & South Wales

The South and South Wales are proud to present their ridiculously talented Poole trio of Maddie Saunders, Nat Goulden and Lexie Curtis. Manager Rachel Lammin shares her selection choice, “Maddie is the reigning British Women’s Champion and currently World U19 and European number 2. Nat is an England and GB racer who came 3rd at U16 world level in Australia 2023. Lexie has helped Poole to countless British team victories and makes her Junior debut for England too.” Maddie Saunders adds, “I’ll be managing/captaining the team in Rachel’s absence due to injury. I’m really looking forward to the weekend’s events. Last year the squad ended up finishing in 2nd so we are really looking to improve on that and take the title this year. I think our team is more than capable of it despite us being one of the younger sides.”

What do you think? Can this youthful squad deliver on their potential and make it to the top step this year?

Midlands

The Midlands introduce their trio of speed and experience who are looking to be triumphant. Lizzie Rigley introduces you to them, “Rebecca Humphries is currently World number 3 and is really starting to make her mark on the sport. Lucy Whitehead brings a wealth of experience and track knowledge to the team. You can expect great team riding from that.” Lizzie strengthens the team further with her unwavering passion, determination and abundance of skill.

Can they pull it off and get a home turf victory?

South East & Eastern

Charlie Jane Herbert has quietly been building for the future over in the South East and continues this with her team selection for this year, although the watchful eyes of experience are always present in her team selections. Charlie wants you all to know, “The SE&E region is led by the current U14 Girls and Laurels winner, from Kesgrave, Lily Parr. Lily has been working her way up to the top step for the last few years and at the age of 14, she has made her dent in Women’s racing. She is backed up by Ipswich’s Chloe Pearce. Chloe shows she can hold her own and gain vital positions that might help the region to the title. Kesgraves Ella Case will also make the trip to represent her region. She has put in decent performances in the Women’s BoB and most recently in the Laurels.”

Is this avenue of developing talent and consistent experience the combination to take the title?