Cycle speedway delegates gathered at Manchester Velodrome on Saturday to discuss the sport’s future, in particular its relationship with British Cycling.  It proved to be a positive meeting, the outcomes of which have already appeared on British Cycling’s website.  In this special Spokesman feature, newly appointed South and South Wales regional officer Graham Sutton, who will be playing a major role in re-shaping the sport, reviews the day.

COMMISSION MANAGES CYCLE SPEEDWAY – posted 3 March 2014

When cycle speedway club reps met at Coalville in January to discuss whether the sport had a future under the auspices of British Cycling, an important action point was for representatives of that forum to seek an early meeting with senior BC officials to discuss some of the serious concerns raised and seek to resolve a way forward which would enable the sport to stay within that organisation.

This request was not taken up, but instead, at their CS Commission meeting on 1st February, it was agreed to stage a special CS Commission meeting on March 1st at which those concerns could be fully explored in the presence of additional nominated delegates from each of the four regions.

A summary of the outcomes of that meeting appeared on the CS News page of the BC website on the day of the meeting, which is one of the first tangible signs of a positive response to the criticism levelled at Coalville in respect of communication standards. The purpose of this article is to expand upon the points of that summary, which relate most closely to the Coalville meeting such as the new “Working Group” project, and the club conference.

The first and most important point to make is that there is complete unanimity that cycle speedway is run by the Commission with whom all of the sport’s decision making powers rest.  A series of initiatives will be put in place to reinforce this position which will be designed to take the sport forward.

Details of these will unfold as the year progresses and a full and open discussion will take place at the newly established annual “club conference” in October, which is another of the important objectives which was strongly supported at Coalville. Whilst this will not be the old style AGM that some may still hanker for, it will be an opportunity for important concerns and issues to be aired and a consensus reached for the Commission to take forward.

The first task of the new “working group” will be to re-design governance arrangements to bring them more in line with best practise elsewhere in cycle sport. Currently, cycle speedway has the largest Commission of all the disciplines and occupies a greater percentage of BCHQ administration time pro rata than any other.

Furthermore, the Commission spends a disproportionate amount of valuable meeting time micro-managing detailed aspects of competitions leaving little time for strategic and developmental initiatives which could help the sport grow and prosper. Many of the functions which are proper to our own officers have been picked up by BCHQ on default. This situation has to change and work is already under way to put arrangements in place to ensure that it does.

At its most recent meeting, the Board of British Cycling had a full discussion on the post-Coalville issues and made it clear that their preferred option was for cycle speedway to stay “in-house”. This was also the preferred outcome for clubs attending Coalville but with important provisos - and the coming months will provide vital evidence as to whether or not these can be met.  

Saturday sees one of the most important meetings in recent years when British Cycling’s Cycle Speedway Commission meet representatives from the four regions to discuss the sport’s future.

The meeting comes as a result of the recent Coalville conference where clubs from across the country voiced their disquiet about British Cycling’s administration and support for cycle speedway.

British Cycling refused the conference’s initial request for British Cycling key staff and principal Commissioners to meet with conference representatives.  Instead the Commission has invited two representatives from the regions to Manchester on Saturday 1st March to talk about the conference’s concerns.

While the introduction of rider levies, including those for under-16s, appear to be non negotiable, delegates are expected to raise the spiralling cost of cycle speedway. 

Despite the Commission’s good work, primarily in running competitions, there remains a perception that the sport’s administration has progressively distanced itself from grass roots members by discontinuing a raft of member-related functions including the club conference, annual report, newsletters and publication of membership statistics.

The lack of coverage on British Cycling’s website, highlighted by the absence of any reports from the World championships in Australia, will also be discussed.  The meeting is also expected to be briefed on the outcome of the recent Board meeting when the sport’s future was debated.

The nominated regional delegates are Ross Mee (Midlands), Paul Graham and Julie Higham (North), Jamie Goldsmith (South East), Geoff Gamage and Colin Sutton (South and South Wales).

Bury secretary John Whiting is likely to be present at the meeting, deputising for Northern representative Ian Brown who has family commitments.  Steve Mullinder and Graham Sutton are expected to attend their first Commission meeting since being elected as regional officers.

SOUTH WEST CLUBS TO VOTE FOR DELEGATE – posted 20 February 2014

Newly appointed Commissioner Graham Sutton has suggested to British Cycling that he should take on the role of South West representative on an interim basis pending a formal election.

Sutton was appointed to the post after the surprise resignation of Dave Murphy.

However, despite being delegated by his region to deputise in the absence of Murphy, the Poole-based administrator feels it would not be right to take on the role on a permanent basis without the formal support of the region’s clubs.

It is expected Sutton will approach the South and South Wales chairman to set up an official election for the vacant post.

COMMISSIONER IN SHOCK RESIGNATION – posted 20 February 2014

One of cycle speedway's most capable and enthusiastic officials has resigned his post on the Cycle Speedway Commission.  In a surprise move, South West representative Dave Murphy has stepped down with

immediate effect.

Murphy's sudden exit will be a bitter blow for newly appointed chairman Graham Elliott who, it is believed, saw Murphy as key to revitalising the sport.

Murphy is the third Commissioner to resign in the past two months. In January highly respected Midland  official Tim Jarvis quit and more recently Elite League mastermind Ian Grange handed in his notice.

Murphy's absence will also be a blow for the sport nationally. His openness and willingness to explain matters to the sport's rank-and-file has been widely applauded.  Murphy is expected to continue his other high profile roles as chairman of the South and South Wales region, secretary of the International Cycle Speedway Federation and Great Britain team manager.

While publicly Murphy's resignation will be attributed to "personal reasons and the wish to spend more time with his family", it is thought privately that the current negativity within the sport has contributed to his decision.

With hours of Murphy's resignation, British Cycling appointed highly experienced and much respected Graham Sutton to fill the South West rep role.

COMMISIONERS TO PICK REPRESENTATIVES – posted 18 February 2014

At its recent meeting in Manchester, the Commission considered a request from the sport that a number of key cycle speedway personnel, including Commission representatives, be given the opportunity to meet with senior British Cycling staff to discuss issues resulting from the Coalville conference.

The Commission considered this was not appropriate.  Instead it was agreed that two representatives from each region be invited to attend the next Commission meeting scheduled to be held in Manchester on 1 March.

However the Commission expressed concerns that these delegates should be true representatives of the cycle speedway membership.  As a result regional Commissioners will decide who should attend from their respective regions.

It was hoped that senior staff from British Cycling would also be present at the meeting to examine how administration, communications and customer service can be improved.  However this now looks increasingly unlikely as they are already committed to the promotion of the commissaires’ conferences that weekend.

British Cycling’s Cycle Speedway Commission comprises:

Chair: Graham Elliott

Officer: Paul West

Members: Terry Ashford, Ian Brown, Rob Gifkins, Mike Hack, Steve Mullinder, Dave Murphy, Bob Prince, Natalie Timms, Pete Ward

STEVE MULLINDER JOINS COMMISSION – posted 16 February 2014 

One of cycle speedway’s best known personalities has joined the Cycle Speedway Commission.  Steve Mullinder has taken over the role of Midland regional representative recently vacated by Leicester official, Tim Jarvis.

An accomplished rider in the late Eighties, today Steve is better known as the managing director of Dash Trophies and Sportswear who sponsor Wednesfield Aces, Leicester Ladies and numerous individual riders.

In a glittering career which began 34 years ago, Mullinder has won countless events with his beloved Wednesfield including national team finals, English League titles and Gold Cup winners.  He also appeared in two British individual finals, at Norwich in 1985 and Leicester in 1988 and represented England in the Home Internationals in Edinburgh.  Certainly few people who have served on the national executive have such an impressive track palmares.

Unfortunately Steve, who celebrates his 50th birthday on 19th February, has suffered knee problems which has restricted racing of late.  He had an operation on the troublesome knee last year and hopes to start training again soon with a view of competing in the EuroVets series later this season.

A gas fitter by trade, Steve has taken on several administrative roles in recent years.  He is treasurer for the Midland region and development officer for Wednesfield CSC.  However Mullinder’s elevation to Commission came somewhat unexpectedly.

“It wasn't a decision I would have made off my own back but when Tim Jarvis stepped down, there was no one from the Midlands who was prepared to take on the role.  We, like all other regions, need a rep on there” Steve told Spokesman.

“I’ve got my own thoughts of the Commission and will be going on there with an open mind.  I am not the kind of person to listen to the gossip and will make my own decisions.  I’ll get fully involved and let’s see what comes out of it all” he explained.

“At the end of the day I want to see cycle speedway go forward in the right way and prosper.  I would like to get a sense of achievement out of being a Commissioner and help our sport go in the right direction with the right people and organisation behind us. 

“Like many other people who have been in this sport for many years, we have cycle speedway in our blood and will not let it go on the decline any more if we can help but everyone, including riders, needs to sing off the same hymn sheet.

“I am so passionate about our sport.  It’s given me many great memories, sporting achievements, many friends and, of course, my great extended family at Wednesfield Aces” he added.

TIM JARVIS RESIGNS – posted 26 January 2014
















One of cycle speedway’s most respected officials has resigned his post on the Cycle Speedway Commission.

Tim Jarvis has stepped down as Midland regional representative following British Cycling’s decision to impose race levies.

Jarvis, who has served on the national committee for several years, cites British Cycling’s lack of consultation for his surprise resignation.

"My decision to leave reflects my view that decisions by British Cycling

can, and indeed are, made without any consultation with the Commission.  Whilst the recent levy fiasco may be the final straw, it is in fact just confirmation that the membership of cycle speedway have lost control of their own sport. The only input we have relates to competition.  Anything over and above that is now out of our hands" Jarvis told Spokesman.

Jarvis, who originally resigned on 10 January, confirmed his decision at yesterday’s ‘Future of Cycle Speedway’ meeting in Coalville.

ACCESSIBLE CHAIRMAN – posted 13 January 2014

Enthused after attending his first regional meeting at Great Blakenham yesterday, newly appointed Cycle Speedway Commission chairman Graham Elliott would be more than happy to attend similar meetings and events - other commitments permitting.

“I will try to attend any other meetings/events that people want me to if I can fit it into my diary which is massively busy as you might imagine.” said Elliott after Sunday’s meeting.  “No guarantees, but I will always do my best to where I can manage it.

“I’ve set up a cycle speedway email address if people want to make direct contact, which is [email protected].”

With his straight-forward approach and openness, Elliott clearly made a good impression, judging by feedback from club delegates attending yesterday’s meeting.  His willingness to attend meetings and have direct contact with cycle speedway members has been widely applauded.

Keen to meet as many people as possible and understand the challenges facing cycle speedway, Graham is hoping to attend the referee training course at Poole on Sunday.

COMMISSION UNAWARE OF NEW LEVY – posted 10 January 2014

Cycle Speedway Commissioners were blissfully unaware that British Cycling had imposed insurance levies on cycle speedway clubs and riders.  The surprise announcement was as much a shock to the nation’s top officials as it was to BC members.

“Just to clarify a point, the Commission knew nothing about the new fees until we received the email from Paul West” said Midland regional Commissioner Tim Jarvis.

“With my Leicester head on, I think that collecting the money will be a nightmare.  We already have far too much paperwork on match days without having any more to sort out.  And how is the cost justified? Are we being asked to subsidise other cycling disciplines poor claims record?” questioned Jarvis.

Jarvis’s view is strongly endorsed by other Commissioners.

“Cycle Speedway Commission members were totally unaware of the recently proposed registration and levy payments.  I find it disturbing that the Commission was kept in the dark and not consulted over something that threatens the well being of our sport” said Bob Prince.

“I had a telephone call from a Midlands member who wanted to discuss the new charges.  Can you imagine my embarrassment when I had to tell him that I was totally unaware of the remit from BC” added a disgruntled Prince.

PATHWAY FOR THE FUTURE – posted 21 December 2013

Newly appointed chairman Graham Elliott has wasted no time in trying to address some of the sport’s problem areas.

Having chaired his first Commission meeting only last week, Elliott applauded the good work done by the Commission and clubs in trying to develop the sport but feels the current position of 35 clubs and 1000 riders is not sufficient for a long term, sustainable future.

Not only does he want to see the sport grow but he would also like to address some of the key issues including the sport’s relationship with British Cycling, its links with motorised speedway and cycle speedway’s poor disciplinary record.

Elliott has challenged the Commission to consider what are the real problems in the sport.  He has also asked for their vision of a perfect future, as a precursor to formulating a ‘Pathway for the Future’, to be explored and discussed at the next Commission meeting in February.

NEW CHAIRMAN APPOINTED – posted 16 December 2013 

British Cycling’s Cycle Speedway Commission has a new chairman, the fourth in five years.  Former Suffolk cycle speedway rider Graham Elliott has been appointed to cycle speedway’s key role by British Cycling’s Board.

Elliott’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the cycle speedway fraternity.

“It will be great to have someone at the helm who not only has an understanding of the sport but has actually raced cycle speedway” a leading national official told Spokesman.

MANAGERS GET THE VOTE – posted 16 December 2013

Cycle speedway’s league managers Ian Grange (Elite), Rob Gifkins (Youth) and Natalie Timms (Women) will have full voting rights if they attend future Commission meetings.

£250,000 A YEAR TO RUN CYCLE SPEEDWAY – posted 13 September 2013 

A recently circulated email from British Cycling has revealed the true cost of running cycle speedway.

Following an enquiry from member Daniel Harper about the provision of perpetual trophies and awards, national cycle speedway administrator Paul West (pictured) has stated that the cost of cycle speedway to British Cycling in “both physical and material support” is over £250,000 per annum.  In contrast income from cycle speedway is approximately £20,000 to £25,000 per annum.

In addition, according to the national governing body, the cost to British Cycling of supporting the knockout cup is in the region of £2,500 but the governing body only receives £200 in entry fees.

In a follow-up widely circulated email sent earlier today, Paul West makes comparisions with cycle speedway and other forms of cycle sport.

The average cycle speedway rider pays £15 a year for BC membership and a licence to compete compared to senior riders in other cycling disciplines who pay a minimum of £72.  In addition a senior rider also pays £3 levy to British Cycling for every event they compete in.  In cycle speedway no levy is charged.

Similarly cycle clubs who promote events pay a levy to British Cycling ranging from £10 to £22 depending on the discipline.  The fee includes insurance cover.  Cycle speedway pays a flat rate of £50 per annum for as many events as they wish to run.