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ELITE LEAGUE
GEOFF GAMAGE NEW MANAGER posted 4 March 2014
Geoff Gamage is the new Elite League manager.
Making his pitch for the difficult and at times challenging job, Gamage outlined how he would run cycle speedways showpiece competition, placing emphasis on inclusion, criteria and publicity.
To aid inclusion and buy-in, Gamage proposes holding a general meeting of all Elite League clubs in August where clubs can discuss issues and put proposals to the Commission for ratification.
Gamage would also review the often criticised EL criteria which sets out the hoops clubs most go through before they are eligible for EL membership. He would like to see membership based on core elite criteria like ClubMark accreditation, match presentation, facility excellence and team strengths in preference to some of the supplementary, less relevant requirements such as a clubs ability to enter teams in the age-related British club championships.
But perhaps the most exciting proposal is his suggestion to set up an Elite League website under the British Cycling banner. The specially designed website would feature fixtures, results, league tables, averages, club information and a news page.
On a personal basis, Gamage does not see his close links to Horspath CSC as a disadvantage. Rather than putting the emphasis of having a neutral manager, Gamage thought the main qualification should be dedication and the ability to develop the leagues true potential.
Certainly the popular 62-year-old who runs his own courier business has the experience to take on this challenging role. He has had many years experience at the top level at British Cyclings international cycle speedway competition manager and Team GB womens manager. Geoff has also been associated with the regional league for many years and is, of course, a mainstay of the Horspath club who he joined in 1969 and is now in his 45th consecutive year with the club.
With the transfer window now closed, British Cycling has today released details of those riders who have been granted an Elite League licence to compete in this years competiton as follows;
Daniel Harper - Swindon & Horspath Scott Millward - Birmingham & Horspath Chris Osborne - Great Blakenham & Horspath Lewis Osborne - Great Blakenham & Horspath Danielle Riley - Hethersett & Horspath Oliver Riley - Hethersett & Horspath Chris Timms - Birmingham & Horspath Oliver Buxton - Hethersett & Ipswich Leigh Cossey - Hethersett & Ipswich David Ball - East Park & Newport Jamie Ball - East Park & Newport Will Cartwright - East Park & Newport Nathan Groves - Birmingham & Newport Aaron Herbert - Exeter & Newport Jack Hibberd - East Park & Newport Craig Nethercott - Exeter & Newport Steve Harris - Swindon & Poole Dave Murphy - Exeter & Poole Thomas Reed - Exeter & Poole Andy Angell - Hull & Sheffield Dan Chambers - Hethersett & Sheffield Bartosz Giemza - Hull & Sheffield Myke Grimes - Coventry & Sheffield Mikey Hewitson - Edinburgh & Sheffield Pawel Idziorek - Heckmondwike & Sheffield Gavin Parr - Northumbria & Sheffield Mason Phillips - Coventry & Sheffield Jake Read - Stockport & Sheffield Adam Stephenson - Hull & Sheffield Przemyslaw Binkowski - Astley & Tyldesley & Wednesfield Lee Kemp - East Park & Wednesfield Craig Marchant - Leicester & Wednesfield Konrad Pietak - Coventry & Wednesfield Dominik Rycharski - Coventry & Wednesfield Lee Smith - East Park & Wednesfield Matthew Smith - East Park & Wednesfield Marcus Wadhams - Birmingham & Wednesfield Mark Winwood - Birmingham & Wednesfield
An agreement has been reached over the declaration day listing.
Elite League clubs were required by the Cycle Speedway Commission to declare a list of riders they propose use in the 2014 competition by 31 January. After submitting the lists, no changes could be made.
Several clubs thought the new rule was too restrictive. They argued that it didnt allow an improving rider or returnee star to race in the Elite League for a whole season unless their name had been included on the list.
Now it appears that the requirement has been scrapped. Although yet to be confirmed by British Cycling, it is widely rumoured that Commissioners, meeting in Manchester on Saturday, decided to scrap the list.
The controversial £10 Elite League riders licence has been scrapped.
After meeting at Coalville last weekend, Elite League clubs offered a revised package of measures which were considered by Commission officials at the weekend.
It is understood the Commission has agreed the clubs proposals which include a one-off contribution to administration and trophy costs, direct payment of referees fees and an Elite League riders match levy.
British Cycling is expected to publish the new rates in the near future.
After meeting at Coalville last weekend, the six Elite clubs have suggested an alternative package to British Cyclings Cycle Speedway Commission.
The new proposals include scrapping the controversial Declaration Day and £10 Elite League licence and replacing it with a new raft of measures including a one-off contribution to administration and trophy costs, direct payment of referees fees and an Elite League riders match levy.
The Commission is expected to consider the clubs proposals at its next meeting scheduled for Saturday 1st February in Manchester.
The yo-yo, on-off saga of the Elite League licence has finally been resolved. At their meeting in Manchester yesterday, the Cycle Speedway Commission and British Cycling officials finally agreed that the licence could be introduced at a cost!
Under new arrangements, all Elite League riders will need a special licence next season costing £10. The supplementary fee will be in addition to British Cyclings standard membership.
Now Elite League teams face a race to finalise their teams for the 2014 season. Teams must register every rider they intend to use by 31 January 2014. No additional riders can be added to those lists after that date. Elite League licences are not required for the EL Combination matches.
The Elite League entry fee has been set at £360 per team, payable in three instalments of £120 by 31st January, 31st May and 31st August. In addition host clubs will be required to pay the £25 referee fee, making the total cost of entering the league £485.
Following agreement on Elite League registrations, the transfer deadline, originally scheduled to close on 31 December, has been extended to 31st January 2014.
The Robyn Carter memorial trophy which stands about 22 high, replaces the ageing Premier League trophy.
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