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ASHES SERIES 2013
RUFUS BURNS TROPHY LAUNCHED posted 14 January 2014
Named the Rufus Burns shield in memory of Lefevres Bill Rufus and Leicesters Wil Burns, the perpetual trophy will be presented to the winners of the Australia v Great Britain womens test series.
Bill first became involved in cycle speedway in 1978 and founded Lefevre 20 years ago. Throughout that time, he was a staunch supporter of girls racing. Nothing gave him more pleasure than seeing his daughter, Megan, take on and often beat the boys in those far off fledgling days of girls racing. A generation on, Bill took equal pride in seeing his grandchildren, Lucy and Angus, taking up and doing well in the sport he loved.
Wil was truly a cycle speedway legend. A tough but always sporting competitor, Wil was synonymous with his beloved club, Leicester. He was instrumental in encouraging girls to take up the sport which was something of a rarity in a macho, male dominated world of cycle speedway. The development of womens racing in the UK and the remarkable record of Leicester ladies will be a lasting testament to Wils memory.
Fittingly the Rufus Burns trophy was presented to the winning Great Britain womens team by Wils son, Kev, at the recent indoor championships at Coventry.
THRILLED BEYOND WORDS posted 14 January 2014
We started back in 1978 at Findon and obviously Dad supported me from the start. I had just turned six-years-old when we started. He was part of 1981 tour. I think he was even race starter back then. I decided one day it was going to be me racing internationally. Dad was always 100% behind me in whatever I chose to do.
He started Lefevre cycle speedway 20 years ago, basically for the cycle speedway gene to continue through his grandkids Lucy and Angus. My dad was the greatest (bias I know). He loved cycle speedway but his main love was us, his family, and he enjoyed nothing more than watching us compete.
Back in 87, when I was selected to race for Australia with the boys, made him the proudest dad. Before his passing three and half years ago he was thrilled to see womens racing really take off here in Australia because his beloved Lucy could continue racing.
The racing displayed on tour, I am sure, far exceeded anyones expectation. I do hope people realise the shield is only on loan though! Well be bringing it home next time said Megan, a smile radiating over her face.
There have been a few red faces among officials and suppliers after the Great Britain kit, commissioned for the Australia v Great Britain cycle speedway test series, was not delivered on time.
The new race jerseys should have been allocated to each rider before they flew out of Heathrow nearly two weeks ago but accordingly to the GB management team the kit still hasnt arrived.
Instead the GB mens and junior teams have had to share the old-style red, white and blue shirts which have to be washed and dried after every match. British Cycling did supply some of the new-style Adidas style track and road jerseys as a temporary measure but these would only fit the womens team.
We have been told that the proper cycle speedway tour shirts should be arriving Monday. That was yesterday and the jerseys still havent arrived said a Team GB official earlier today as the test series close to and end.
A senior British Cycling member explained that this was a problem with the supplier and that every discipline was affected in one way or another.
After dramatic last minute talks with British Cycling officials, Chris Timms has been given the green light to race for Great Britain in Australia.
After Spokesman-Online highlighted that British Cyclings own disciplinary procedures could pave the way for Timms to represent Great Britain pending a formal disciplinary hearing, Commissioner Ian Brown and GB team manager continued their last ditch dialogue with senior British Cycling representatives which resulted in Timms joining the official party (pictured below) at Heathrow.
The British Lions cycle speedway squad have arrived safely in Adelaide after their long and tiring journey from London.
Travel arrangements, organised by Worldspan Travel of Ferndown in Dorset went seamlessly. The special group check in worked extremely well and despite the volume of cycles and equipment being transported, there were no problems with excess baggage.
One or two of the squad are reported to be suffering jet-lag which doesnt bode well for the first test which begins at Findon on Wednesday evening.
Despite having accepted the need to review his GB team plans following the ban to Chris Timms, Dave Murphy has stressed, that together with tour director Ian Brown, he has continues to explore all possible avenues of having the ban lifted pending appeal.
Murphy told Spokesman "All that I will say is that there's a shared belief, within the GB management team, that consideration could be given for lifting the ban pending an appeal on the basis of this being an exceptional circumstance."
It would appear that Dave Murphy and Ian Brown have adopted a diplomatic approach of talking with British Cycling and looking for practical ways of managing the issue, within the disciplinary rules, in the hope that common sense can prevail.
Leading cycle speedway representatives have been in frantic discussions with British Cyclings legal team in a desperate bid to allow Chris Timms to compete for Great Britain in next weeks Ashes series in Australia.
Having raised the money and paid for his ticket, some through voluntary contributions including a special fund raising match and a personal audience with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Timmss only hope of representing Great Britain in Australia now rests on British Cyclings own regulations.
Until such time as the appeal is heard, the rider is free to compete, British Cyclings regulation 5.10 stating:
Nothing in these Disciplinary Rules prevents the Individual from competing or participating in Events pending the hearing of the Disciplinary Committee. However the Head of the Disciplinary Panel may impose an interim suspension on that Individual, pending the hearing of the Disciplinary Committee, where he is satisfied that the circumstances warrant it.
Given the circumstance and the fact that Timms has paid both his airfare and accommodation in Australia, the GB management team are hopeful that the head of the disciplinary panel would not take any further action in the interim, pending a formal hearing.
However the disciplinary committee has the power to impose an even greater sanction, so Timms is carefully considering his position but with his seat on the plane booked and the official tour party due fly out the Adelaide on Saturday, time is not on his side.
TEAM GB ROCKED BY TIMMS BAN posted 30 October 2013
The news of Chris Timmss ban has proved a major blow to GB team manager Dave Murphy as he battles to re-build his squad ahead of the Ashes series against Australia which starts a week today.
"I've also spoken to the British Cycling legal team today and their representative confirmed that the appeal process would not result in the ban being lifted pending an appeal hearing" Murphy told Spokesman. "However we continue to explore every possible avenue in an effort to find a way of bringing Chris back into the GB squad pending an appeal."
"We make the best of the core strengths offered by those remaining and I will utilise the talented pool of riders that will still be available to me in Australia he told Spokesman.
Following the final GB training camp, at Newport on Sunday, the GB management and coaching staff were able to assess the development of the riders and take comfort in the performances of fringe riders such as Leyton Glover, Mark Winwood, Dan Chambers, Nicky Evans, Matt Smith and Ryan Hoyland.
Murphy concluded by saying "I have many options available and it will now be down to the decisions I make by selecting and utilising the right options for specific test matches. It's going to be a challenge, so bring it on!"
WATSON BACK IN GB SQUAD posted 30 October 2013
Not only will Watsons inclusion considerably strengthen the GB squad but the Manchester-based rider will now be able to defend the World title she won in the United States in 201
The rest of the squad are pleased to welcome Laura back into their midst as she was originally selected but then had to withdraw thinking she couldn't find the time to make the trip explained Gamage.
With the final piece slotted into the jigsaw puzzle and preparations now complete, Gamage was quick to thank everyone who had supported the womens squad.
On behalf of the team I would like to thank the managements at Poole, Leicester and Newport for the help with the Team GB days not forgetting the Sheffield EIS in February. Thanks too to all the clubs that held women's events and women's league matches this year. Everything has been a big help. Massive thanks to Tony Bennett for all his work over those days. I just wish he was coming with us Geoff Gamage explained.
The full GB womens squad now is Victoria Brown (Sheffield-captain), Lucy Whitehead (Leicester- vice captain), Lauren Davies (Leicester), Rebecca Davies (Newport) Charlie Jane Herbert (Exeter) Lauren Hookway (Exeter) Olivia Horsley (Horspath) Laura Watson (Leicester) and Michelle Whitehead (Leicester). Although not a squad member Caris Glover (Poole) will be on standby should there be any unexpected difficulties. Team manager Geoff Gamage (Horspath), assistant team manager Ian Brown (Sheffield) and British Cycling coach Stuart Raven (Newport).
The team intend to do a publicity shoot on Tuesday morning on Semaphore beach in Adelaide, weather permitting. We hope to bring you news of that and further GB women updates as the tour progresses.
The stage is set and the Aussies are waiting!
It's promises to be one hell of a series and Spokesman will be there every step of the way with all the news, results, reports and pics thanks to our trackside reporters.
As a taster of whats to come, here are pics of the faces behind the names as we introduce the Aussies!
Men 
Paul White (co team manager), Cameron Crisp, Ryan Edson, Robert Fitzpatrick. Ty Geertsen, Daniel Pudney, Ross Priest, Rob Fleming (co team manager) Front: Cody Chadwick (captain), Bobby McMIllan, Daniel Robb, Daniel Thompson, Shane Weinert, Robert Sellick
Women
Peter Kinross (assistant team manager, Sarah Kinross, Jackie Kinross, Nicky Kinross, Sara-Jane Clee-Collins, Ebony Clark, Shiranta Aston, Carly Martin, Letitia Collins (captain), Steve Clarke (team manager) Front row: Jayden Whelan, Miriam Thompson, Jess Snowden, Holly Greenhalgh, Lucy Millikin, Kayleigh Clarke
Bobby McMillan (team manager), Shane Bentley, Trent Forester, Brayden Clarke, Corey Stevens, Mark Sheldon, Braden Makepeace Front: Jay McCarthy, Connor Whelan, Ryan Greenhalgh (captain), Brodie Wohlschlager, Angus Freeman, Andrew Wilkie (vice-captain)
The Aussie juniors are looking forward to the challenge of taking on a strong Great Britain team in the five test match series as they know the Brits are after revenge for the 2009 loss of the series.
Team Manager Bobby McMillan has had them on a weekly training session since the beginning of the year which, for the past two months has been twice a week. Once again Steve Clarke took the team through the first half of the sessions in the gym and then it was track work. The team has also been honoured to have senior riders such as Daniel Pudney, Cody Chadwick and Brad Hoppo passing on their track experience.
The junior squad is a reasonably large squad and is being captained by Ryan Greenhalgh with Andre Wilkie as vice-captain. Other members are Jay McCarthy, Brayden Clarke, Shane Bentley, Connor Whelan, Corey Stevens, Trent Forester, Angus Freeman, Brodie Wohlschlager, Braden Makepeace and Mark Sheldon.
The senior team is also an unusually large squad and will be hard to select the eight required for the test matches. The seniors have also been training twice a week and will have a formidable line up captained by Cody Chadwick. Senior team members are Daniel Robb, Joel Chadwick, Ryan Edson, Bobby McMillan, Daniel Pudney, Daniel Thompson, Shane Weinert, Cameron Crisp, Ty Geertsen, Robert Fitzpatrick, Robert Sellick and Ross Priest. Rob Fleming and Paul White are once again team managers.
The women's team manager is Steve Clarke and he is being assisted by Peter Kinross. Letitia Collins is the captain with Nicky Kinross vice-captain. Other members are: Jayden Whelan, Jackie Kinross, Sarah Kinross, Shiranta Aston, Kayleigh Clarke, Jess Snowden, Lucy Millikin, Sarah-Jane Clee-Collins, Carly Martin, Ebony Clark, Miriam Thompson and Holly Greenhalgh. They have been training extremely hard during the year and recently have been training with the juniors for more 'aggressive racing tactics'. The women's test match series will be 'full on' and the Aussie girls are determined to have their name in the record books as winning the inaugural series.
Aussie supremo Mick Harley is busy putting the finishing touches to the Oz Tour and reckons the 2013 version will be one of the best ever.
As we caught up with Mick at his Adelaide home, he was compiling the souvenir 70 page programme. If that wasnt enough, workaholic Mick was also awaiting delivery of the Aussie racetops which will be presented to the riders at next Saturdays LeFevres open championship.
The teams have been training two or three nights each week for the past three weeks and are looking good. It will be very close in all three divisions. I also think the Federation Cup will be full on with the top six riders from each nation battling each other in team pairs racing predicted Harley.
As Team GB preparations for the 2013 Ashes test series come to a conclusion the GB senior squad has suffered with some key omissions from the original squad.
The recent withdrawals of Mark Boaler and Mark Carmichael plus the injury to Gavin Wheeler have impacted the potential of Team GB. However, as GB manager Dave Murphy prefers to approach things, this will present the team with new challenges to overcome in their pursuit of success.
Following defeat in the recent test series with Poland and having lost the 2009 Ashes Series 3-0 team manager Murphy told Spokesman "It understandable to accept that we are viewed as underdogs as we prepare to engage in battle with the Aussies" but he added "We can handle that and, despite the fact that we have lost a few riders, we will continue to work on our own strengths and a belief that we can exceed expectations."
"I recently read that we are the best prepared GB team for many years but, to be honest, all that we've done is provide training methods and opportunities for the riders and allowed them to choose what feels best for them" said Murphy. "With the enthusiastic guidance of Tony Bennett and Stuart Raven, the riders have chosen their own training plans to ensure that the preparation meets their own specific needs" he added,
Team GB will be calling upon the explosive abilities of Wednesfield trio of Lee Aris, Paul Heard and Ben Mould combined with the experience of Steve Harris and the exciting, although unpredictable, options offered by Jono Birks and Chris Timms. Meanwhile Neil Hollebon will be eager to impress whilst twice British champion Andy Angell will keep the Aussie's waiting until the third test before he is able to join the tour following a strict pre-tour fitness regime.
Murphy has decided not to name additions and be forced to select from squad members as has happened in past tours but has instead invited other members of the tour party to challenge for team places should he need to consider options during the series. He will also have options to look at the performance of the junior squad. As a result, Mark Winwood, Nicky Evans, Leyton Glover, Matt Smith, Ryan Hoyland and Dan Chambers will all join the next two GB training camps at Leicester and Newport.
The GB women's team manager Geoff Gamage told Spokesman that "We will be looking to capitalise on the recent rapid development of women's racing in the UK as we take the challenge to Australia in what should prove to be an exciting inaugural test series."
Australia has their own female stars with Letitia Collins the pick of the bunch whilst capably supported by both Jackie and Sarah Kinross. However, GB will look to Lauren Davies and Vicky Brown to lead a talented squad supported by Exeter duo of Charlie-Jane Herbert and Lauren Hookway plus the Whitehead girls Lucy and Michelle from Leicester. When you add the returning Livvi Horsley into the mix, along with Rebecca Davies and Caris Glover, team manager Gamage is confident that the GB girls can achieve the success they deserve from a full season of dedicated preparation.
Sports psychologist Jon Marzetti joined the Lions squad at their recent training camp at Poole and by all accounts proved to be an instant hit. Rider and officials welcomed Jons enthusiastic and motivating input which is adding a new dimension to their approach to racing and preparation for the challenge ahead.
Many riders found Jons contributions useful, whilst others, including Colin Sutton and Stuart Raven who were interested in his approach and techniques, took time to engage with Jon Great Britain team manager Dave Murphy told Spokesman.
Having previously worked with Martin Gamble at the Sheffield GB training camp, I wanted to expand on Martin's good work. On this occasion I thought it would be useful for the riders to interact with someone outside of cycle speedway (and indeed British Cycling) to gain a different perspective to our approach to positive thinking and developing a winning mentality Dave explained.
Jon Marzetti is currently in his third year into a Sports Psychology Degree at Chichester University where he is expected achieve 2:1 when he completes his finals this summer. He then plans to complete the Masters course.
I am passionate about the psychological side of competitive sport Jon told Spokesman. I feel that effective sports psychology is widely under-utilised as a tool to help achieve improvements, albeit small ones in some cases, and success for individuals and within squads collectively.
A semi-pro footballer with Bognor Town FC (Rymans Premier), Jon added I certainly feel that I can contribute to Team GB teams performance, particularly those of the younger members of the squad, by bringing my experience in professional and semi-professional sport and my training to bear.
Id also like to mention the help I have received from Martin Gamble and Dave Murphy in preparation planning and my gratitude to the Team GB members for being supportive and receptive during the sessions Jon told Spokesman.
Judging by his initial success and the positive feedback from the three sessions he delivered, it appears that Jon will be a regular addition at Team GBs training camps in future.
The British Lions cycle speedway squad came together at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Sunday to kick off their preparations for the Ashes series which will take place in South Australia next November.
GB spokesman Dave Murphy was full of praise for those who attended and for the coaching staff who put the riders through a series of training and team building routines. He told Spokesman "What a day for all those who were able to make the journey. Everyone made it clear how much they had benefited from the training, the knowledge transfer sessions and the opportunity to bond with squad colleagues."
The 200 metre indoor athletics track provided a great arena for timed 400 and 200 meter sprints, under guidance of Stuart Raven and Martin Gamble. This session was topped off with a thrilling team relay race, involving all squad members, to complete the days track activity.
Other activity involved some useful fitness and strength building sessions facilitated by Ian Brown and Rob Mawhood which opened riders to many new training techniques.
Whilst men's team manager Dave Murphy participated in some of the sessions with his team, Ivan Pike (junior team manager) and Geoff Gamage (women's team manager) were also active in assisting their teams during the sessions.
Murphy added "In addition to the hard-working full time coaches, Tony, Stuart and Ian, we received valuable contributions from local coaches Rob Mace, Rob Mawhood and Martin Gamble who gave up their time to assist. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to all those involved for providing such a professional platform for the GB preparation."
"Roll on the next get-together in Poole at the end of May" said Murphy, who finished by offering special praise in the direction of Ian Brown for his behind the scenes work and generosity which ensured that the venue was secured for this event.
Following the Great Britain riders disappointment on the Polish Tour in 2011, when they were unable to keep their GB jerseys, it is looking more likely that this issue will be overcome for the 2013 Australian Tour members.
GB team manager Dave Murphy has informed Spokesman that British Cycling is keen to support the teams where possible and that GB team jerseys, for each squad member, has been included in the funding for the 2013 tour.
Other BC funding includes support for the GB Team training camps, in terms of facility and staff costs, such as the provision of Watt bikes with specialist coaches for the camps at Sheffield, Poole and Newport. There will also be a significant contribution towards the vehicle hire, transfer and other team costs whilst in Australia.
Another development is the possibility that any remaining funds (within the budget) could be channelled into supporting key riders (such as 2013 British individual champions) with some of their costs to attend these championships.
Murphy added "This is all good news which shows that, despite budgets being limited in the current economic climate, funding will be provided to support GB riders as an acknowledgement of the significant time and personal funding that squad members will need to contribute from their own resources."
Great Britain Men Team Manager Dave Murphy Lee Aris, Andy Angell, Jono Birks, Mark Boaler, Josh Brooke, Mark Carmichael, Steve Harris, Paul Heard, Neil Hollebon, Ben Mould, Chris Timms and Gavin Wheeler
Great Britain Women Team Manager Geoff Gamage Vicky Brown, Tiffany Collins, Lauren Davies, Rebecca Davies, Charlie Ellitts, Charlie Jane Herbert, Lauren Hookway, Lauren Jacobs, Lucy Whitehead and Michelle Whitehead
Great Britain Junior Team Manager Ivan Pike Will Bristowe, Matt Haddock, Jack Harrold, Ashley Hill, Ricki Johnson, Jack Lush, Matt Lush, Arron Morgan, Aiden Owen, Jake Read, Oliver Sidwick and Aaron Smith These teams will compete in the much awaited Ashes Test Series against Australia in early November. The series, now re-instated to five matches, will take place at impressive South Australian venues such as Findon, LeFevre, Murraylands and Salisbury whilst the British Lions will also participate in the Federations Cup at LeFevre.
Following recent news that the senior and junior Australia v Great Britain test match series have been extended to five matches, recent discussions between Dave Murphy and Mick Harley have now confirmed that the women's series will also be over five test matches.
GB women's team manager Geoff Gamage was delighted with the news and is quoted as saying "This is a fantastic outcome and will provide a great platform for the development of women's international racing. My thanks to Dave and Mick for making this happen". Geoff added "I have a ten rider squad and they have all indicated a preference for additional racing, even though it will mean five matches during the first 12 days of the tour."
The Australian Cycle Speedway Council has today confirmed that the Australia v Great Britain women's test series has been extended to five matches in line with the men's and junior internationals.
The 2013 Ashes test series against Australia has been extended to five matches.
Originally only three matches were scheduled in the hectic three week schedule but following representation from the GB management team, the series has been extended to five matches.
The news was confirmed by the Australian Council earlier today.
"I had a meeting with the Aussie team last night and they have all agreed to a five test series for senior and juniors" said Aussie supremo Mick Harley. "I will be amending and republishing the proposed itinerary" he added.
Great Britain team manager Dave Murphy, who had been instrumental in extending the series, was delighted with the news.
I sincerely hope that we can reward the South Australian clubs and the watching spectators with an exciting and well contested battle for the Ashes, between what I expect to be two well matched national squads said Murphy.
Discussions are continuing with the Australian authorities to expand the womens series.
I'm sure the British girls would be hoping for the same amount of racing as the senior and junior squads added Murphy who is optimistic that the Australians will agree to his request.
Great Britain will be hoping their strength in depth over five matches will enable them to wrestle the coveted Harley/Witham shield from the Australians. |
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